Saxons triumph in 11-goal thriller

South Saxons Hockey Club's men's first team came out on top in an 11-goal thriller at Horntye Park on Saturday.
Dan Burnett in the thick of the action for South Saxons against Crowborough. Picture by Simon NewsteadDan Burnett in the thick of the action for South Saxons against Crowborough. Picture by Simon Newstead
Dan Burnett in the thick of the action for South Saxons against Crowborough. Picture by Simon Newstead

Jamie Busbridge scored the winner to complete his hat-trick after Saxons had seen a 5-1 lead evaporate in a dramatic South Hockey League Kent/Sussex - Regional 2 encounter.

Saxons got off to the perfect start with a well-worked goal in the first minute. After a foul on Busbridge, Saxons moved the ball quickly and Tudor Stainsby teed up Busbridge to score from close range.

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The hosts doubled their advantage when Andrew Acott volleyed home after being found by Stainsby in the D, but an uncharacteristic error by Brock Smith in the Saxons goal allowed Crowborough to pull one back.

Saxons went 3-1 up when an expertly executed short corner ended in Acott playing the ball across goal for the diving Busbridge to deflect home.

A slick move down the right involving Busbridge and Acott led to Olli Beal scoring Saxons' fourth. Beal then latched onto an aerial which was missed by the Crowborough defence and unselfishly teed up Stainsby to make it 5-1.

Crowborough reduced their deficit just before half time and came out hard in the second period, catching Saxons cold with two goals in quick succession to make it 5-4.

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Saxons looked nervous and were under immense pressure with Crowborough pouring men forward in pursuit of an equaliser, which eventually came from a short corner.

Alex Coombs tussles for possession during Saxons' 6-5 victory. Picture by Simon NewsteadAlex Coombs tussles for possession during Saxons' 6-5 victory. Picture by Simon Newstead
Alex Coombs tussles for possession during Saxons' 6-5 victory. Picture by Simon Newstead

Saxons had to regroup quickly and to the delight of the supporters, it was they who took the three points. A typically mazy run from Alex Coombs forced a short corner, which was again deflected home by Busbridge, who will have been delighted with the character shown by his team.

Jon Meredith was man of the match for a Saxons side which is up to seventh in the table ahead of the trip to Horsham II this coming Saturday.

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