We are pleased to announce that Glenn Kirkham, newly appointed co-Captain of England, will be joining East Grinstead from Loughborough Students. Darren Cheesman, who has been playing for Oranje Zwart in the Netherlands has also signed for EG and has recently been playing in Prague with Ashley Jackson in the England U21 team competing in the Euro Hockey Junior Nations Championship.

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Congratulations to the indoor squad on winning the National Indoor Championship

EG WIN Old Mid Whitgiftians Indoor League

Final : EG 14 - Old Mid Whitgiftians 6

Congratulations to the squad. This is the second tournament win for the 1st Team this season.

The Indoor squad have so far played 5 games in the Old Mid Whitgiftians Indoor League with the following results: -

Not surprisingly, we are top of the table having won 5 out of 5, scoring 64 and conceding 11. The semi final wil be held at Trinity School Leisure Centre on Wednesday 18th January.

Having had a tremendous run of good form throughout November, Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead were given a jolt in their bid to continue their positive campaign. A much weakened squad travelled to Reading in the hope that the Sussex side could build on their season to date and put in a performance to match the last time these two sides faced each other at Saint Hill which ended in a draw.

Without their trio of Trinidad Internationals, the 5th placed Premiership side knew that a trip to 4th placed Reading would be a true test of character. The squad had prepared well in the build up to Saturday but the task was going to be made harder still when Grinstead striker Ben Payne pulled up in the warm up with a hamstring injury ruling him out of the tie. Undeterred, Grinstead started well only for one of Reading’s early attacks to be rewarded with a weak penalty corner. Harris in goal saved the initial shot only to see it fall to Simon Mantell who made no mistake in notching up the first goal of the match.

In true East Grinstead style, the visitors bounced back spurred on by going one nil down so early in the game. Frequent forays by Rogers, Ashdown, Howarth and Ansell proved that the contest was very much on and were rewarded for their endeavours in the 12th minute after Jackson and Pearn linked up well slicing the Reading defence in two and providing Rogers with a cross at the far post that he slotted home past Simon Mason with ease.

The game quickly developed into a ping-pong affair with both sides counter attacking trying to find the next opening and it was Reading’s turn to reply when Andy Todd broke clear down the Grinstead right flank and finished coolly to regain the home sides' lead.

Try as the Sussex side could, Reading’s depth of squad started to show and on 21 minutes, they were awarded another corner from which Austin Smith finished neatly despite the valiant attempts of the Grinstead defence of Harris, Richard Payne, Male and Ogden to keep Reading out.

The 2nd half started very tightly with both midfields battling it out for supremacy and neither defence being troubled unduly. With the clock ticking away and the visitors hungry as ever to farm a result from the tie, they pushed forward only to see the final pass miss its mark. Corners resulted from a number of the Grinstead counters but Mason stood firm to keep Reading’s lead in tact which further frustrated Grinstead.

With 5 minutes still remaining EG still showed their characteristic self-belief by battling for everything and pushing forward at every opportunity but it was to be their downfall as Reading pounced in the closing minutes taking advantage of Grinstead pressing forward and closed off the tie with 2 late goals.

After the match, Jones said “We knew today was not going to be easy and of course we are naturally disappointed with the result. Despite this, the squad are upbeat and confident as we played well and stuck at it, which speaks volumes for the character that we have. As ever, we can take positives out of the game as we have done all season and start to focus on the next job in hand which is getting a result at home next Saturday against Loughborough Students.”

East Grinstead Squad : George Harris, Paul Coltham, Mike Trim, Simon Ogden, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Mark Pearn, Richard Payne, Duncan Howarth, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Mark Ansell, Michael Holland, Ben Rogers. Manager – Matt Jones

Next Fixture : v Loughborough Students (H) – Saturday 10 th December at 2.00pm, East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead.

Spectators at East Grinstead:
Members of the public are very welcome and reminded that entrance to East Grinstead Sports Club for all games is free. For more information on East Grinstead Hockey Club, visit www.egscc.co.uk

Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead have accrued an impressive 10 points from their last 4 matches to jump them from the foot of the table to 5th spot just behind the top 4 sides. A valuable draw at home to Reading, followed by wins against Hampstead, Chelmsford and then Guildford has transformed the newly promoted Sussex sides return to the top flight of England Hockey.

With the self-belief and confidence fuelled by this run of improved performances, Grinstead knew that they had the ability to travel to Canterbury and make amends for their slip up earlier in the season when they lost to the Kent side in a double-header weekend having won the previous day to Old Loughtonians.

Eagerly looking forward to the Saturday evening fixture under floodlights, the visitors started poorly however, in what is fast becoming an EG trait. Canterbury having overloaded down the EG left pounced with a neatly deflected shot to notch up the first goal of the game through Matt Harper.

Undeterred, Grinstead strove to find their footing on a cold and crisp night but try as they might they failed to find any sort of rhythm with the home side making all the early running putting the defensive skills of Payne, Trim, Male and Quan Chan under immense pressure. Repeated saves from the ever-present Harris in goal kept EG in touch, but it wasn’t until the introduction of Dillet Gilkes that Grinstead made any real impression. With his fierce running, the Canterbury defence got their first real taste of the white and blues and it was some concerted pressure from Gilkes and Pearn that paid dividends in the 21st minute bringing the sides level.

Rapid breakaway attacks by both sides ensued but it was Grinstead’s turn once more to make an impression when they won their 1st of three penalty corners in the match. Jackson took up station and duly thundered in an immaculate flick into the home side's net in the 26th min. After having started poorly and now 2-1 ahead EG had gained the upper hand but in true Canterbury style they came back at the visitors with the kind of self belief that they had shown earlier in the season at Saint Hill.

Determined and hard working to the end and it was through a spell of concerted pressure that they got their just reward winning a penalty corner that Dave Matthews slotted in low down to the keepers left.

Both sides ventured back into the clubhouse for half time and it was obvious that upon their return to the pitch that they had been fired up for what was surely going to be an exciting half. Grinstead knew they had to step up their game but it was Canterbury desperately needing points in this fixture who started the stronger with Ben Hare pouncing on a loose ball to make it 3-2 a minute into the second half.

The visitors reacted and started to grind into gear. Slowly but surely they started to find a rhythm that until now had eluded them. Pearn, Jackson and Justice started to mesh and the spearhead of Ben Payne, Ashdown and Rogers looked to threaten once more.

Sadly for the visitors, it was Canterbury who bit back through Mathews who crashed in a thunderous strike in the 42nd minute to take the momentum away from EG. At 4-2 down but with plenty of time remaining on the clock, Grinstead started to rebuild. Not until the 55th minute did it take effect but when it came it was worth waiting for. Jackson once again stood confident at the top of the circle eyeing up his spot and found it with consummate ease clattering the inside of the net past the helpless keeper.

4-3 down but with 15 minutes still to play, the visitors pressed on weathering all that Canterbury could throw at them until the last minute when EG’s last venture forward rewarded them with their 3rd corner of the evening. The Kent crowd waited in fear whilst the Grinstead bench pinned their hopes on a Jackson hat trick which he neatly accomplished only to be bowled over by the on rushing defenders having drawn the scores level.

Canterbury rushed to the other end with the final seconds running off the clock and won a last ditched corner. Grinstead’s Harris stood firm however and charged down a fearsome shot from Mathews keeping the score at 4-4 to win a hard fought point for the Sussex side.

Manager Matt Jones said “I’m satisfied with a point from this evening when you consider the recent disruptions to our regular training schedule and that we weren’t at our best tonight. We were a long way off where we need to be and had to fight incredibly hard for the result but it does prove how relentless we have become and that we are resilient to the end. We are going to have to improve if we are going to take anything away from our next two fixtures away to Reading next Saturday and at home to Loughborough a week later.”

East Grinstead Squad : George Harris, Paul Coltham, Mike Trim, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Mark Pearn, Richard Payne, Duncan Howarth, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Dwain Quan Chan, Michael Holland, Ben Rogers, Dillet Gilkes. Manager – Matt Jones

Next Home Fixture : v Loughborough Students – Saturday 10 th December at 2.00pm, East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead.

Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead looked to improve on recent form with a string of determined performances accelerating the side up the premier division table to 6th place. A draw against Reading and wins against Hampstead & Westminster and Chelmsford meant that the Sussex side had finally broken through into the mid ranks of the top flight and with the confidence that has come with it were keen to return the favour to travelling Guildford who had snatched victory in the season opener.

Although missing a handful of notable players, Grinstead started well, keen to get off to a good start and make the first breakthrough. Guildford had other plans however and although their ball speed and lack of initial forward play seemed to work in the home sides favour, it wasn’t long before the visitors reacted to a break down on an EG attack to counter up the Grinstead left flank and through some dazzling interchanges the ball feel to James Webber who unleashed a ferocious shot past Grinstead’s custodian Harris.

Undeterred as ever, the white and blue’s pushed forward with chances starting to come for the front line of Payne, Rogers and Ashdown. Grinstead’s midfield working tirelessly to break down their Guildford opposite numbers started to have an influence and after 34 minutes got their rewards with a penalty corner. Keeper Taylor saved this, only to rebound to Ben Payne who wasn’t going to let a chance like that go to waste and duly finished with ease into the bottom right hand corner.

With the scores level at half time and all to play for, EG with a confident air about them started the 2nd half as strongly as ever and chances at the visitors end began to come quick and fast. A number of superb opportunities fell to Rogers, Pearn and Ashdown but it was Payne who stepped up to finish from close range in the 47th minute. Due reward for the home side's determined work which continued despite Guildford’s efforts to come back. 8 minutes later EG once again split the visitors defence with some superb skills between Pearn and Jackson who himself stepped up to beat Taylor with a searing drag flick into the roof of the net.

At 3-1 and with 15 minutes to play chances still went begging for EG but it was Guildford who were rewarded for their hard work and resilience when Richard Smith stepped off his marker to deflect in on 64 minutes. The remaining six minutes passed by with EG keeping much of the possession and securing another much deserved 3 points.

“Today was a fine example of a determined and professional performance from the squad who have matured immensely over the course of the season. Our recent form is testimony to that and the unity we have between us. It further proves how change does produce results when we all pull together. Today’s win should take us to 5th place and now we can look forward to travelling to Belper for our 4th round cup tie where we meet the division 1 leaders” said manager Matt Jones.

East Grinstead : George Harris, Paul Coltham, Dom Male, Richard Payne, Simon Ogden, Dwain Quan Chan, Mike Trim, Mark Pearn, Mark Justice, Ben Payne, Ben Rogers, Duncan Howarth, Dillett Gilkes, Ashley Jackson, Scott Ashdown. Manager - Matt Jones

Saturday 26th November, 2pm v Canterbury (Away) EHL Premier Division
Saturday 3rd December, 2pm v Reading (Away) EHL Premier Division

EG travelled to Belper HC on a cold Sunday morning to meet the National Division 1 leaders who until today were unbeaten. EG compared to their Saturday league performance against Guildford were not firing on all cylinders but as ever the Sussex side were determined and never let the game slip away.

On 32 minutes, the home side were rewarded for all their hard work with a penalty stroke, which managed to creep past the glove of Harris and that’s how the score remained at half time. Naturally, the premier division side came out of the team talk knowing that they needed to stamp their authority on the game and try as they might the Belper keeper stood firm pulling off some stunning saves. Finally in the last 30 seconds of the game Jackson set the record straight by converting one in a succession of corners to tie the game and take it into golden goal extra time.

This had a major impact on Belper and gave Grinstead the appetite to forge ahead. A barrage of attacks ensued on the home side's goal with countless corners being won and squandered. With 15 seconds left on the clock in the first period, Jackson's open play shot was stopped by the body of a defender's sliding tackle and the resulting penalty stroke was neatly put away by Grinstead's ever cool skipper Richard Payne.

"It wasn’t the best performance of the season by a long shot but it further proves how resilient we are and the professionalism that is necessary to win tight encounters when you’re not on the pace. Belper are a very good side who I’m sure we'll see in the premier division soon" said Matt Jones after the game.

Saturday 26th November, 2pm v Canterbury (Away) EHL Premier Division
Saturday 3rd December, 2pm v Reading (Away) EHL Premier Division

The Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead Men’s 1stXI returned to Saint Hill having humbled former champions Reading in a one-all draw the week before, narrowly missing out on a much deserved win. With the self-belief and confidence fuelled by a run of improved performances, the premiership new boys went into Saturday evening’s fixture anticipating fireworks of a different nature. Yet another large crowd of loyal supporters filled the Saint Hill floodlit embankment ever hopeful that recent form would produce 3 more valuable points to further reinforce and accelerate the Sussex sides position in the division.

Having lost two players to injury, EG couldn’t field its strongest squad against a Hampstead side who have run close to taking points off some sizeable opposition in recent weeks. Nonetheless, the home sides' depth and unity has grown since the start of the season and have the confidence of knowing that that it has the calibre and firepower to compete well at any level.

A fast start was the order of the day and Grinstead duly obliged wowing the crowd with early forays into the visitor’s circle, which made pleasing viewing from the sidelines. Ben Payne, Ashdown and Rogers working well to limit defenders time on the ball and capitalise on the closing down of the EG midfielders who backed up well. Ironically it was Hampstead who drew first blood with a speculative through ball that managed to find its way through for Eakins to make it 1-0 to the visitors. EG retaliated with vigour creating chance after chance narrowly missing each time until Jackson strode up and flicked past the helpless Hampstead keeper from EG’s only corner of the half.

Once again boosted by a commanding if not productive first half, the home side ventured out for the second half, but in rather uncharacteristic style Grinstead seemed out of sorts. Confusion amongst the midfield and defence gave the visitors a rare opportunity to break past what is fast becoming a solid backline, Hampstead were awarded a penalty stroke, which was duly converted by Eakins in the 38th minute.

Changes ensued and immediately started to have effect. Ben Payne, Howarth and Pearn all linking up well in front of the tireless Justice endeavouring to find a breakthrough. Time and time again EG pressed forward seeking an opening with reward coming in the 58th min when player coach Pearn cruised into the visitors circle slamming the ball into the net to level the scores. Not content to leave it there as is EG’s determination, the side dug deep once again and again found Pearn in space this time masterfully flicking the ball from a wide left angle past the scurrying defenders.

With only 7 minutes left on the clock EG took a grip on the game and closed off any chance of the visitors getting back into a game which EG richly deserved their 3 points from and subsequent 2 place leap in the premier division.

Matt Jones said “We’ve still got a lot of work to do but performances like this and 3 more points show that were are moving in the right direction. We must remain focussed and can’t rest until after the 10th December. Until then we remain resolute and focussed on what we must do. We're not kidding ourselves that the next two weeks are vital and must pick up points in order to keep our season on track. I’m pleased for the players and the club who have been fantastic in their support of the squad.”

East Grinstead Squad : George Harris, Paul Coltham, Mike Trim, Simon Ogden, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Mark Pearn, Richard Payne, Duncan Howarth, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Dwain Quan Chan, Michael Holland, Ben Rogers. Manager – Matt Jones

Next Fixture : v Chelmsford (A) – Sunday 13 th November at 2.00pm, Chelmer Park, Chelmsford, Essex.

Next Home Fixture : v Guildford – Saturday 19 th November at 2.00pm, East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead.

Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead Men’s 1stXI returned to Saint Hill after a double header of mixed fortunes from last week having lost to Surbiton in the league on Saturday and then demolishing Staines in the National Cup 9-2. Both performances hinted at what EG were capable of having ably dictated the 2 nd half against Surbiton without taking the deserved rewards. Then on Sunday putting a multitude of chances away to show what they are capable of.

With improved confidence and an obvious hunger to deliver in front of yet another large home crowd, East Grinstead were confronted with former champions Reading and their entourage of Internationals and former home to now EG player/coach Mark Pearn and Scott Ashdown both with points to prove.

With the first time luxury of a full strength squad to select from and having absorbed valuable lessons from recent encounters EG made some of the early running only for Reading’s Jonty Clarke to scramble home a 4 th minute open play goal. Regardless, the ever resilient Grinstead side pressed on weathering some early barrages from the visitors who were constantly frustrated by the tight back line of Mike Trim, Richard Payne, Dom Male and Dwain Quan Chan. Although Reading pressed, it didn’t inhibit the home side from pushing hard regularly asking questions of the visitors.

With added confidence from competing in such a disciplined manner, Grinstead continued to explore Reading’s defence only to be denied by the ever-present Simon Mason in goal.

The second half started in what has become EG’s newfound trait. Out of the blocks with energy, passion and intensity showing no respect for the travelling side and after some quick inter changes down the left, Ashley Jackson latched onto a pin point cross to lift the ball into the net past the helpless Mason. A much deserved equaliser, which further fuelled the buoyant Grinstead’s hunger for more.

Time after time EG pressed forward with flair and imagination creating superb opportunities only to see them go begging. Undeterred, the midfield of Scott Ashdown, Kwan Browne, Mark Pearn and Ashley Jackson worked tirelessly to invent new openings and bolster defensively. Ben Payne, Justice, Jackson and Ben Rogers all came close as did Reading on a couple of occasions but it was a case of East Grinstead in the ascendancy, showing their true colours and getting almost everything they deserved in a fine display of top class hockey.

Ever resolute, Grinstead continued to stride forward, running for everything, hounding the visitors in search of a moment to capitalise upon an enforced mistake. Try as they might EG were denied having penetrated from every angle only to find the visitors defensive line resilient to the end.

EG’s Manager, Matt Jones said “It was a much improved and sustained performance and deserved reward for the continued work and passion that the squad as a whole has been delivering. Their resilience, discipline and intensity were clear to see. I’m just a little disappointed that we didn’t get all 3 points, which I believe, we warranted. A point however against a top outfit like Reading further proves our class. With 4 points on the board we are only 4 points away from 5th place having endured a very tough 4 match series. As ever, we must look forward and we know that this Saturday’s visitors to EG will be a tough encounter.”

East Grinstead Squad : George Harris, Paul Coltham, Mike Trim, Simon Ogden, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Mark Pearn, Richard Payne, Mark Ansell, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Dwain Quan Chan, Michael Holland, Kwan Browne, Ben Rogers - Manager – Matt Jones

Next Fixture : Hampstead & Westminster – Saturday 5 th November at 6.30pm, East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead - Sparklers and Hot toddies available for this exciting evening game.

Spectators:
Members of the public are very welcome and reminded that entrance to East Grinstead Sports Club for EHL National Premier Division games is free.

Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead’s Premiership Men’s side went on the rampage against Staines on Sunday in the 3rd round of the National Cup in their first truly convincing performance of the season to date.

Having showed all the class of a top flight side without the rewards against an effective yet uninspiring Surbiton side in the league the day before, EG went down 5-1 in a match that was slit into two very differing performances with Grinstead ruing a succession of open play opportunities and a string of penalty corners that would surely have turned the tables.

In stark contrast, EG made light work of Staines in the cup ably led by their scoring trio of Ashley Jackson, Ben Payne and Kwan Browne.

Although it was Staines who struck first, this only served to kick start Grinstead’s relentless onslaught in an uneven 3 rd round match up. Working tirelessly for one another, Grinstead used the outing to demonstrate exactly what the Sussex side are capable of from resilient defending to progressive and exciting forward play to lethal finishing and clinical penalty corner moves. With the score at 4-1 at half time, Grinstead continued to pile on the pressure with Browne and Payne notching up a second half hat trick and brace respectively between them to bury the tie.

Although EG were missing their skipper Richard Payne and Trinidad International Dillett Gilkes with minor injuries Grinstead were practically at full strength for the first time this season in a much needed morale boosting game. The return of player/coach Mark Pearn and local favourite Kwan Browne gave EG the perfect opportunity to continue its positive development in preparation for this Sunday’s EHL game at home to Reading at 2pm.

“I’m proud of the way that we’ve come back from the knocks that we’ve encountered with such disciplined and passionate performances which is testimony to the drive and dedication that the squad has. Week by week, were improving and now that were finally at full strength it’s only a matter of days before we start to reel in the points and start our climb up the division” said manager Matt Jones

East Grinstead : George Harris, Paul Coltham, Richard Harms, Dom Male, Richard Payne, Simon Ogden, Dwain Quan Chan, Mike Trim, Mark Pearn, Mark Justice, Ben Payne, Ben Rogers, Duncan Howarth, Mark Ansell, Dillett Gilkes, Ashley Jackson, Scott Ashdown. - Manager - Matt Jones

Going into a tough four match series against the league's top four sides, Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead travelled to Loughborough on Sunday eager to prove that the lessons learnt over the first two weeks of the season had started to rub off. But it was the students of Loughborough that dealt out the first lesson going 3 up within 15 minutes of the start. A somewhat too respectful EG gave the home side just enough space for them to create some good opening chances all of which were taken without second invitations. A quick change of tactic saw the Loughborough scoring halted with EG beginning to test the home side's rear guard and after 16 minutes a well-rehearsed penalty corner gave EG its first away goal of the new season.

EG continued to compete but the Students finally penetrated one last time on the stroke of half time winning a corner, which they duly despatched to take the score to 4-1.

A rousing and heart felt team talk from captain Richard Payne ensued which had the desired effect judging by East Grinstead’s endeavours in the early encounters of the second half. Although it was the Students who notched up the first strike of the half, EG battled tirelessly and were rewarded for the tenacity and drive with another corner this time leaving the Students keeper flailing.

Determined to set the records straight and prove that the first 15 minutes of this Premiership encounter was a one off, EG fought on only for Loughborough to deal out the last lesson converting a corner in the 64th minute to wrap up the fixture 6-2.

“Another case of valuable lessons learnt in what was always going to be a tough tie but I was very pleased with the squads resilience and attitude. They stuck to the task for 70 minutes and have yet again proved that we can compete for large periods against the toughest opposition. We host league leaders Cannock this Sunday at home which I know the players are looking forward to as it gives us a chance to show how much we’ve moved on and with Mark Pearn returning, it gives us that little bit extra” said manager Matt Jones.

East Grinstead : George Harris, Richard Harms, Simon Ogden, Mike Trim, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Richard Payne, Duncan Howarth, Mark Ansell, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Dwain QuanChan, Ben Rogers, Michael Holland, Dillet Gilkes

Sunday 16 th October, 2pm at EG Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead v Cannock

Members of the public are reminded that entrance to East Grinstead Sports Club for EHL National Premier Division games are free and welcome new visitors to the club.

Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead Men’s 1stXI’s first home fixture of the season at Saint Hill gave the large home crowd all they could ask for on a warm autumn afternoon.

Still not at full strength and having learnt valuable lessons at neighbouring Guildford last Sunday, EG made all the early running making it clear that they meant business. Although Old Loughtonians break away tactics were evident it didn’t inhibit the home side from pushing hard in the early minutes with questions being regularly asked of the visitors. With only 7 minutes gone, EG won their first penalty corner of the match which was duly despatched giving the premier division newcomers their first goal back in the top flight.

With added confidence from breaking the initial deadlock, Grinstead continued to explore the Old Loughtonians defence with vigour. Time and again their hard work creating chances only to be denied at the last effort. On a rare break the unlikely happened with the visitors breaking and managing through a succession of lucky deflections to level the score. Undeterred, EG returned this annoyance by battering the opposition with successive attacking waves until through some nimble interchanges East Grinstead pushed in front once more much to the delight of the Grinstead faithful and Holmewood House School U13’s, the honorary guests for the day.

The second half matched the first, with both sides battling tirelessly for possession. Defences stood firm at both ends although EG once again looked the more dangerous and imaginative. A temporary lapse in EG’s vice-like grip in midfield led to one of Old Loughtonians only second half chances which was seized upon and finished with some zest to make it 2-2 on 45 mins, a score line that did not reflect the game.

Ever resolute, Grinstead continued to stride forward, running for everything, hounding the visitors in search of a moment to capitalise upon a mistake. Try as they might EG were denied having penetrated from every angel only to find the visitors defensive line resilient to the end. With the home crowd fearing a 2-2 draw would be the best they could expect from their side's return to the top they looked on with nervous anticipation as EG threw themselves forward one last time. Breaking up the right Ashley Jackson fired in a pin-point cross finding the ever present Mark Ansell whose reaction deflection rocketed into the back of the net giving East Grinstead all the honours with no time left on the clock to restart the game.

EG’s Manager, Matt Jones said “It was a fabulous performance and return to form by the squad, whose dedication and resilience was an example of how it pays to fight to the end. To get 3 points at this early stage is a tremendous boost for us and gives us a platform to build upon. I’m very proud of the way the players fought back from last week's encounter and stuck to their task”.

East Grinstead Squad : George Harris, Richard Harms, Seye Akande, Andy Medcalf, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Richard Payne, Duncan Howarth, Mark Ansell, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Dwain Quan Chan, Michael Holland, Dillet Gilkes, Matt McNeill - Manager – Matt Jones

Next Fixture : Away to Loughborough Students – Sunday 9 th October – 12 noon

Next Home Fixture : EG v Cannock – Sunday 16 th October – 2pm
East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead.

Spectators:
Members of the public are very welcome and reminded that entrance to East Grinstead Sports Club for EHL National Premier Division games is free.

A sunny day at Guildford set the tone superbly for the Sidlow sponsored East Grinstead Men’s 1stXI’s return to the top flight of England Hockey. Missing two of its star players and its newly signed player coach ex-England and GB International Mark Pearn, meant that the newly promoted Division 2 Champions would have their work cut out.

This once regular south derby, reborn again was set alight by East Grinstead however who made the majority of the early running with Ashley Jackson and Ben Payne looking the most threatening from open play, both shooting narrowly wide of Guildford’s goalkeeper/captain Nick Taylor. It was on one of Ben Payne’s hallmark runs down Guildford’s left flank that he pulled up suddenly in the 10th minute with a nasty injury to his left leg much to the dismay of the travelling EG supporters. This incident certainly had an impact on EG’s ability to worry the home sides defence but with a resolute effort the visitors worked their way back into the match frequently asking questions of Guildford.

Both teams held their shape firmly with some excellent defending the key to holding off the respective forays of both sides as each offensive line tried tirelessly to penetrate. Few opportunities arose for either side and on his EG debut, ex Old Loughtonians and player of the tournament for Wales in the recent Europeans, George Harris marshalled well from his goal to keep the deadlock at 0-0 drawing up to half time. As the half time whistle sounded it was East Grinstead who were awarded a succession of 3 penalty corners only to be denied by the ever present Taylor in the Guildford goal.

Captain, Richard Payne rallied his squad at half time proud of their efforts but clearly wanting and needing more if the white and blues were going to take any points away from this tie. Sticking to their game, EG started off as they had finished the first half battling for ball but not quite being able to generate any real productivity as a result. In contrast, Guildford raised their game and on 45 mins after some quick work down the EG left , the home side managed to penetrate the circle with Pinks dinking the ball over the exposed Harris.

East Grinstead’s midfield continued to battle with Mark Justice, Ben Rogers and Scott Ashdown all leading by example but try as they might, the openings never seemed to come and before long it was clear that Guildford’s ball retention and slim lead was taking its toll. In the 52nd minute Guildford made another incisive run tricking the EG defence out of position opening up room for Smith to make it 2-0 and look like taking the points.

Time and again the home side pressed forward with the tiring EG side forced to defend en mass and before to long Guildford were rewarded with a penalty corner in the 62 nd minute that was superbly put away into the top right hand corner by Turner making it 3-0.

With only 8 minutes remaining East Grinstead rallied with solo runs from Gilkes and Jackson only to be thwarted by the robust Guildford back line which included ex-England and former East Grinstead player Jason Collins. And so it was Guildford who took the honours on the opening day of the new season but East Grinstead’s return to Premier League hockey showed that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level giving them added confidence going into this weekends double header, when they play Old Loughtonians on Saturday 1st October and then Canterbury on Sunday 2nd at East Grinstead Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead.

East Grinstead : George Harris, Richard Harms, Seye Akande, Andy Medcalf, Ben Payne, Ashley Jackson, Richard Payne, Duncan Howarth, Mark Ansell, Dominic Male, Mark Justice, Scott Ashdown, Dwain Quan Chan, Ben Rogers, Michael Holland, Dillet Gilkes

Saturday 1st October, 2pm at EG Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead v Old Loughtonians

Sunday 2nd October, 2pm at EG Sports Club, Saint Hill, East Grinstead v Canterbury

Members of the public are reminded that entrance to East Grinstead Sports Club for EHL National Premier Division games are free and welcome new visitors to the club.

The 1st XI have continued their preparations for the new season by winning the PLUM Tournament this weekend at Chelmsford. This is the traditional pre-season tournament for National League teams. The tournament featured the following teams split into 2 pools of 4 - Chelmsford, Holcombe, Surbiton, Old Georgians, Hampstead & Westminster, Old Loughtonians, Canterbury and East Grinstead.

East Grinstead Men's 1st XI are unbeaten in 7 games so far this season leading up to our first EH National Premier League game against Guildford next Sunday at Guildford starting at 12 noon.

Scorers for EG - Mark Pearn, Ashley Jackson (3), Andy Medcalf, Mike Holland, Ben Payne.