Men's 1s - can't get out of the blocks at Banbury

Lewes travelled to Banbury off the back of an important first win and a heroic cup performance the week previously. They faced the Oxfordshire side who were yet to find a point in the league and were certainly fired up for the encounter.

The home side were quick out of the blocks and pressed an inexperienced defence hard from the outset. In autumnal windy conditions, Lewes were blown away in the opening stages. Two individual errors put the home side two goals ahead in the opening five minutes. Lewes struck back 15 minutes in, Alex Baxter continuing his fine goal scoring form with a perfect individual strike.
But Lewes’ concentration slipped again and they went two further goals behind, the 4th from the penalty stroke spot. They went into the half time break 4-1 down.

The second half didn't improve much for Lewes. Banbury's confidence grew as game progressed and they hit 3 early goals to make it 7-1. It was a bad day at the office and Lewes regrouped and tried to battle their way back into the game. Ed Firth made it 7-2 with a fine reverse stick strike. Banbury hit one more before full time in a game Lewes would like to quickly forget. Lewes are well known for their ability to bounce back and will be looking to do so fast, especially with a tricky upcoming encounter next week with Old Georgians.

Report by Josh Pewter.