Another bright and early push back for Lewes this week, and with some disappointing losses in recent weeks, anticipation was high for a big bottom of the table clash against Southdowns!

Unfortunately due to many injuries and a spout of unavailability, we only had the bare 11 for this game, so we went into it with some strong strategies to stop us from wearing out! We were also thankful to have the amazing support of Claude on the sidelines this week - watch out for those pesky bags!!

It was a cracking start to the game from the wonderful 3s - remembering to stay calm on the ball and using the switch round the back. It was a pleasure to have Lucy Nuttall once again to join our backline. The link up between her and Emily made for some beautiful hockey! Isla was also working well up the wing with Ava (also helping us from the 2s!) - both of whom had a great game! There was no Lizzie this week due to illness, so we were blessed with the presence of one of the 2s top players, Innie! A commanding performance in the central midfield position this week, making some vital interceptions and passes to Goldie and Abi! There was some very close chances in the second half for us, but we were very unlucky not to have scored, even with the best efforts from our forwards, Rhi and Gabi. And even with a great run of defensive work from us, Southdowns still managed to score one past us with a strong strike, leaving the score 0-1 at half time.

Sweets were consumed, spirits were lifted, and we went into the second half feeling confident that the game wasn't yet lost. Southdowns were persistent, and kept their attack coming, but our defence was stronger. Emily Pile worked tirelessly all game to keep them at bay, making some exquisite tackles and keeping us all in line. There was a switch around in the second half, with Innie dropping back and Lucy pushing forward - Miss Nuttall showing strong potential for a midfield spot in the future! With some frustrating umpiring calls and a few very close misses from Goldie and Rhi, the clock was starting to run out for the 3s - there was even calls for a penalty flick at one stage, with the men's team giving some grief to our umps. But our surprising new addition to the midfield payed off! The ball was worked brilliantly up the pitch, and with a silky pass across the D from Abi, the ball was slotted into the back of the goal from Lucy!! Unfortunately we ran out of time to add to our goal tally, but a 1-1 draw was a relief after our current losing streak!

There was some stunning play from the team this week and it is evident that our hard work is starting to pay off! Our players player this week was none other than the brilliant, Emily! A great performance from her again! I'm sorry to miss the game this week, go out and smash it you lot!!