Last Second Equaliser Ruins Men's 2s Day

... after a contentious decision and poor defending allowed Southwick to take a point with the last hit of the game.

Things looked good early on as Oli Tapping ended his year drought slotting past the keeper 10 minutes in and Lewes kept this lead until half time though good work at the back by Rob Lee, Andy Green, Pete Fuller and Ollie Williams.

Lewes started the second half well with the forward line of Rideout, Hills, Tapping and Petty all creating chances and short corners. One of these short corners was converted by new boy Max Spedding's powerful drag flick giving Lewes a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately Lewes eased off and allowed Southwick to get one back before Sam Rea deflected a Pete Fuller pass to give Lewes a 3-1 lead with 15 minute left.

Southwick didn't give up and gave themselves hope with 5 minutes left bringing the score back to 3-2. With 30 seconds of the game left, Lewes foolishly pressed forward to seal the win... Ollie Williams was kicked in the air by the Southwick keeper but no penalty stroke was given and Southwick countered attacked to level 3-3 with the last hit of the game.

Whilst the game finished on a sour note, Lewes will take confidence from playing good hockey and dominating for long periods of the game. Also the debuts of Sussex Uni freshers Tom Hunt and Caolan Feeley added strength and speed to the Lewes midfield.

Team: Clayton, Green, Fuller, Lee, Williams, Daniels (c), Hills, Keeley, Spedding, Tapping, Hunt, Rideout, Rea, Petty.

Report by Seb Daniels