Mens Ones
Mens Ones played away against Horsham at 15:00pm. After an even fifteen minutes, the Crows broke the deadlock with a goal and held on to the lead for the rest of the half. Becoming more dominant in the second half, the Ones controlled large parts of the game, scoring three more while maintaining a clean sheet. Goals were awarded to Dan Lang (2), Hamish Marr (1) and James Partridge (1). The game ended in a 4-0 win with player of the match going to Finn Alexander for a faultless performance.
Ladies Ones
Ladies Ones played away against Brighton and Hove at 13:15pm. Brighton were young, fit and well drilled, which showed when the Crows finished 3-0 down at half time after an own goal and two goals from Brighton. In the second half Crowborough's Kate Baxter scored a goal from a straight strike on a short corner and the game unfortunately finished 4-1 to Brighton. Player of the match went to Clare Bennett for her great play in defence!
Mens Twos
Mens Twos played at home against Horsham at 13:30pm. The men started the new season with a youthful side with just three players over the age of 16 against an experienced Horsham side. Borough started slowly as they got to grips with the pace of the opposition's passing, but the defence of Harry Hamilton-Brown and Lyle French and goalkeeper Rufus Jones stood firm, with Jones making a couple of fine saves. At fifteen minutes the pressure took when a well worked Horsham move saw their tricky winger one-on-one with Jones and somehow managed to squeeze it through the onrushing 'keepers legs. After the restart, Borough started to get hold of the ball more in midfield with Joel Street, Rory Pamphilon, Will Sermon, Albie Ayden, Matt Burns and Sam Chick all linking well, but not quite managing to play that final pass to set the forwards in on goal. With five minutes of the first half remaining Horsham broke forward, slipping the ball past Jones for a simple tap in at the back post. Crowborough started the second half much quicker and brighter bringing the forward line of Joe Joyce, Tim Porter, Freddie Lee and Josh Holman much more into the game. With Borough looking more threatening it was against the run of play that Horsham would make it 3-0. Borough didn't let their heads drop though and continued to press and probe the Horsham defence. Eventually the pressure took as a disguised through pass from Chick found Lee just outside the opposition D who wobbled round two Horsham defenders like they weren't even there before casually lifting it over the keeper. This gave the young Crows added belief as they took control of the game. Chick and Holman both made a couple of impressive runs , with the Horsham defence just keeping them at bay. Another attack saw Ayden dance down the left wing, finding Lee who drew the keeping out before selflessly squaring to Joyce to sweep home into an empty net. Horsham were on the ropes now, barely able to get out of their own half as 'Borough pushed for an equaliser. Sadly time was against them as the final whistle went with Crowborough well on top, but not quite managing to find that all important third goal. A 3-2 loss but lots of positives to focus and build on for this talented team of youngsters. Player of the Match was Rufus Jones for a great performance between the posts.
Ladies Twos
Ladies Twos played away against Southwick at 12:00pm. The ladies were hardworking from the very beginning, captain Vicky Dennett scoring the first goal of the season early in the first half. Another goal came quickly after the opposition scored a penalty flick, entering half time with a 2-1 scoreline. The ladies went into the second half with newfound confidence, goals coming from Sophie Holcombe, Jess Jolley and Jen Brough. Each had unique goals, some going over the goalkeeper and others being precisely slotted into the corners of the goal. The defence worked hard whenever the opposition came down the pitch, battling for the ball and clearing with some excellent hits. They continuously ensured that no more goals were conceded, goalkeeper Keren Loder coming out of her goal many times to clear some important shots. A short corner was awarded to Crowborough in the last second of the game, the whole team coming up to try and score one more goal. Claire North expertly passed it to the far post where Rach Catling deflected it in with the last hit of the game. The game ended in a 6-1 win with player of the match going to the amazing Sophie Holcombe for her equally amazing goals.
Mens Threes
Mens Threes played at home against Brighton and Hove at 12:00pm. It was a great start for the team's first game with new players beginning their adult hockey journey and old players coming back. Many cobwebs were blown away during the game as the Threes grew continuously into the game. All players worked very hard. The game ended in a 1-1 draw with player of the match going to Alex Walton-Turner who was unbelievable in goal throughout. A special mention to Andy Dennett who worked like a Trojan the entire game. On to next week!
Ladies Threes
Ladies Threes were disappointed that their first match of the season against at Brighton and Hove was cancelled. However, they used this time to their advantage and, with the help of Hamish Marr and Steve Valentine, trained hard. A structure involving a proper warm up and cool down has been devised with Lucy Gibson agreeing to lead the team each week. The main thrust of the session, however, was based around short corners regarding attack and defence. Player of the Training goes to Cath Rawlings for an incredible performance in goal, despite having done a 5k park run before training! The ladies cannot wait to start their season next week and look forward to using the techniques they learnt in training in a game.
Boys Youth Academy
Boys Youth Academy played a friendly at home against Brighton and Hove at 15:00pm. After opposition East Grinstead cancelled their game only a few days before, the boys found themselves a game against Brighton. The game started a bit rusty but the boys gradually improved their positioning and stick skills. A great first game from the new squad! The game ended in a 3-1 loss which the team hope to improve next week in their league match against Brighton and Hove.
Girls Youth Academy
Girls Youth Academy played away against Worthing at 14:30pm. The girls played their first league game as a team, learning how to work coherently together and communicate effectively. They unfortunately lost 5-0, a valiant effort by such a new squad. They are hoping their experience will help them use those new communication skills during next week's game.