Lions start the new season with a roar

Lewes Lions (u16) included 3 debuts for youngsters, Finlay Webster, Kian Milne and Rufus Hodgkinson in their opening game of the season at the Southdown Club. Lewes controlled the game from the start high high tempo hockey, particularly from the lively Toby Izzard and Jago Hussain. Jago opening the scoring with 7 mins on the clock following great approach play from Hugh Middleton who released Jago inside the D who made no mistake with his shot to the goal keeps left hand post. Young Kian won the ball from the Crawley defence and played a neat pass to Ben Battle who squeezed the ball reverse stick under the keeper. Against the run of play Crawley's first attack lead to a short corner and their captain received the ball and dribbled pass Lewes defence to score. Stan Hughes sharing the keeping duties with Dirren Quin, first touch of the ball was retrieving it from the net. Stan was then called on to make a couple of telling saves before Lewes retained their composure and Jago collecting a cross field pass from Toby Hutchinson scored a cracker from the top of the circle. Lewes were playing fast, crisp passing hockey and further goal from Ben put the Lions 5-1 up at the break.

The second half saw Lewes continue the pressure and, with both Rufus and Finlay playing and supporting the team well. with Louis Soudain intercepting the ball well and Dylan Willaims playing a solid man of the match performance in central midfield further Lewes pressure resulted in many opportunities. Toby Izzard work rate increased as the game went on and he was rewarded with individual goal of the game. Jamie Combe played well from right half intercepting the ball and producing probing runs into the attacking third and after a great team move starting from another well timed tackle from the very solid Bertie Collison, switch the ball to Jago who made no mistake in collecting his hat trick. Many thanks to Parents and supports who enjoyed a good game against a sporting Crawley side well umpired by Bendy and Malcom. Brighton away next week