Last Pre-Season Friendlies 2023
Mens Ones
The Mens Ones played against a demoted Hailsham side to get their team used to the style of hockey they will be up against in their new league. Both teams were extremely passionate throughout the game and gave each other a challenging match. Crowborough eventually lost 3-1.
Ladies Ones
Ladies ones played their last pre-season friendly against Mid Sussex. Testing the new formation out in the muggy heat, the ladies struggled to make it work in the first half against a strong side, with half time ending 2-0 down to Crowborough. Having properly figured out positions at half time the ladies came out fighting strong. After a some brilliant transfers in the back line and some awesome play in the middle as well as pressing the ball forward, Crowborough got their first goal. There was no going back after that, and Mid Sussex had to step up to the challenge. A further two goals were scored by Crowborough with players all trying different positions on the field and all working together to get that ball in the back of the net. Acting captain Kate Baxter scored all 3 amazing goals. Absolutely awesome play ended the game with a 3-2 win for Crowborough, season's looking good.
Ladies Twos
Ladies Twos played away against Mid Sussex at 12:30pm. Playing on a pitch with absolutely no shade, the ladies definitely felt the heat during the long 70 minutes. However, in no way did this affect their inspiring performance. The Crow's first goal came from Zoey Swan who slotted the ball into the left corner after connecting with a great cross. Josie Mitchell scored an additional two goals, one of them being an incredible solo goal after unbelievably beating all 4 defenders in the D. Rosie Rawlings scored the other two goals, both of them just as impressive and along with her constant running earning her Player of the Match. They won an incredible 5-2 and hope to take this winning spirit into the new season.
Mens Threes
The Mens Threes were very unlucky to lose a hard-fought game with Marden. The teams were peppering the Marden goal in the first half in a fantastic performance, with a well-deserved goal from Freddie Lee. The Crow's passing game is clearly moving from strength to strength. Unfortunately, some momentum was lost somewhat in the second half and Marden were able to sneak a couple of goals. Still the Crows will take confidence from an impressive first half performance. They lost 2-1. A big thanks to Justin and Hamish for their expert referring.
Ladies Threes
Ladies Threes played away in Marden with an 11.30am pushback. A week fraught with problems surrounding availability meant this was a tight week on a slow bouncy pitch in 26 degree heat. Borough hit the ground running and successfully kept Marden at bay for the first two quarters with fantastic midfield play from Eve Taylor and Anoushka Wolfe as well as some sublime sweeping by Lottie Ikeson. New player Emma Fordham stepped up to play in the back line and fitted in a treat with defence queen Bethy Catling. Sadly the heat took its toll on the team and the final score was a 4-0 defeat. Player of the Match goes to the entire team for endurance and positive attitude.
Boys Youth Academy
The Boy's first league game was against the Eastbourne side they lost 9-0 to last year. Unfortunately the Crows arrived with 10 players. The new set up opposition gave them a goalie and they played a tough game, both sides matching each other goal for goal until the last quarter. The Crowborough boys ran away with the game winning an exceptional 6-4! Player of the Match went to both Joe TG and Eddie D. Goals cam from Beau B, Oscar F, Harry S and Eddie D.
Girls Youth Academy
The Girls unfortunately lost 5-0 but the score did not represent how they played at all.