Lewes 1s can't get the win in Winchester

Lewes were short of five players and with only twelve players in their squad unfortunately lost Jonny Rea early on with a hamstring injury. They dominated possession in the opening ten minutes before the hosts broke away to open the scoring. Winchester quickly added a second and then made it 3-0 from a penalty corner and it looked like it could be a long afternoon for Lewes. But with forwards Callum Rudrum and Mark Best applying pressure to the home defence and Sam Worlige in midfield finding gaps they deservedly got back into the match when Toby Price picked out Rudrum in the circle who deflected the pass into the goal to make it 3-1. Just on half time Winchester scored their fourth from close range to make it 4-1 at the break.

In the second half Lewes fought back as Winchester sat on their lead and Price converted a penalty corner with a hard low flick. Five minutes later Best deservedly scored after a quick break out of defence to make it 4-3 and it was all to play for. Winchester, with ex Olympian Rob Moore in midfield, slowed the game down and got their fifth goal just before the end as Lewes pushed up seeking an equaliser.

Skipper Matt Clark was pleased with the effort but disappointed by the result. "We played most of the match with eleven players and they could not have worked harder and at 4-3 I thought we might get something from the game but it was not to be. If we can get some of our injured players back I believe we can pick up some more wins to take us back up the table". This week they are at home to Blackheath 1.30 pm at the Southdown Club.

Report by Paul Spruce