Blinded by the light - Not. Mens 6 complete inaugural season with a solid 3rd place in the Sun

This season saw the revival of the mens 6s with the objective of fielding a side each week to complete the 22 league fixtures. Objective reached with 22 games played won 17 drawn 2 and lost 5 resulting in a solid 3rd place in Div 4 of the mens sussex league. 51 players gained 6th team caps (to be awarded at the club dinner on the27th April) many of whom were returning players or from the successful Back To Hockey feeder programme run by the club. With no other fixtures Eastbourne had brought a different side from the one we beat comprehensively in the away fixture prior to Christmas. The Winter weather postponing this home fixture to this weekend. Lewes started the game well , with the captain winning the toss and choosing to play away from the blinding sun on this weeks instruction of the goal keeper.

With Ash Kempton and James Williams reeved up like deuces in midfield and Liam another runner in the night, Madman drummers bummers (well the rooks were scoring a few), Indians in the summer ( hopefully to start next season) With a teenage diplomat (probably doing a better job than Lino) Peter Colbourne In the dumps with the mumps (or a heavy cold) As the adolescent pumps (we had few of those) His way into his hat (the 2nd team crowd contribution) With a boulder on my shoulder ( Ed our Umpire on assessment), Feelin' kinda older (oh yeah! the end of a long season) I tripped the merry-go-round around the Eastbourne defence who spent the majority of the half camped in their own half.

Numerous opportunities went untaken as Lewes pressed the Eastbourne defence. Following good approach play from Liam Brown and Peter Colbourne whose cross was passed on by JW for Ben Wood to find the final touch giving Lewes the lead. With 2 minutes of the first half to play an Eastbourne breakaway skinned the Captain in the centre of defence leaving GK no chance with his shot. 1-1 at halftime. A change of tactics following in depth tactic analysis at half time resulted in an interesting second half, but any chances that Eastbourne did create were easily dealt with byCharlie P in goal. A quick turn over ball resulted in JW's first time ball into the D being decisively dispatched by Top Goal score Steve Fuller. Despite a slightly anxious final 10 mins Lewes hung on to claim a well deserved final victory of a successful season.

Blinded by the light
Revved up like a deuce
Another runner in the night
Blinded by the light
Not the 6s - Well done Team!!

Manfred Manse (c1977)