There’s nothing like Cup hockey to inspire! The game between our Lewes U16 Lions and the Eastbourne Kestrels did just that on a rather damp Sunday where our boys played a phenomenal match, putting in a huge effort only to lose by the dreaded penalty shuffle.

Eastbourne had a strong spine through the team and after five minutes had muscled a short corner that Lewes were powerless to stop – a worrying blow for our team that have not played much together this season. What came next was spectacular.

All the team pulled together and played some engaging passing hockey showing great teamwork, movement and structure, battling for every ball when they could. The pressure mounted on Eastbourne as Lewes pushed and pushed forward and with a deft cross from the left base line Diggory was in on the back post – who says training drills don’t work?!

Eastbourne always remained strong and a threat at the other end, but our Lions continued to work the ball down the lines, making good forward runs creating opportunities - suddenly a reverse stick lob over the keeper from John put the boys 2-1 in front after 20 minutes.

Minutes later another run from John developed a one-on-one with the keeper that saw him go flying and the ball cleared, only just. With our talisman shaken Eastbourne built some pressure of their own and two powerfully struck shots put them 2-3 ahead at half time.

Early in the second half as the rain poured down Eastbourne snuck another to go 2-4 up.

The Lions pride though was not dented. Still working hard as a team, they kept tackling and importantly kept passing. Opportunities came and went with George making great saves, Tom Ludnow, Ed Oates and Tobias showing some great ability in playing midfield and Michael running angle after angle. Finally the pressure told and John put away his second and a very steely third with two minutes to go.

The 4-4 drawer meant a scrabble for the rules – three penalty shuffles each and then sudden death.

A shuffle looks easy, though we can promise it’s not. We made a clear decision to be pro-active. George in goal was this personified, making save after save. Their goal keeper the same, and only after 10 rounds Eastbourne finally managed to sneak one round George’s left flank.

A gutting way to end a fabulous all round effort. The “steel” they showed as a team makes you very proud as a coach. Well done guys!!