If you want to see a match report of your game then download a Match Report form here and send it to us by Monday 5pm

Men's 3rd XI: 5 - Wimbledon: 2

Higgins London League - Division 2

East Grinstead Men’s 3rd XI retired for the annual winterval with a resounding victory against second placed Wimbledon on Saturday afternoon. Having prepared well with training sessions on sand based pitches and a revised set piece routine, EG were under no illusions that this was to be a gruelling encounter against a feistily well seasoned Wimbledon side, previously unbeaten at home.

Upon arrival at the palatial surroundings of a south London comprehensive it became apparent that EG were to be denied their usual luxuries of a changing room and toilet facilities in a clear effort by the home team to unsettle the Sussex softies. Following an unusually sharp warm up it was the visitors that had the greater chances in the opening period, with shot after reverse stick shot sailing high, wide and not very handsomely over the bar.

Spurred on by these initial golden opportunities many of the team decided to follow suit, and it appeared that at one stage there were a competition amongst the EG forwards to see who could produce the worst shot on goal. Unfortunately, the home team thrived on the entertainment of this and with the EG defence clearly preoccupied with the aforementioned contest it was Wimbledon that went into half time with a 2-0 lead.

Many clichés could be used at this point, perhaps the most fitting is 'Its a funny ol game'.  Within five minutes of the restart Grinstead were back on level terms with goals from Tom Gwynne and Si Horne. After some characteristically appalling marking Wimbledon found themselves again in the lead and this was an advantage they held until the final ten minutes.

During this final period of the game however, EG decided that the season of festive cheer was well and truly over for the Dons and simply moved up a gear, a manoeuvre the home side were powerless to counter. Duncan Scott converted two very well worked short corners and Gwynne slipped in his second and the men in White were heading for an impressive 5-3 victory.

This second half performance was (at least offensively speaking ) an absolute joy to watch.  If EG can maintain form like this then surely league leaders Spencer will be looking over their shoulders with alarm in the new year.

Scorers: Tom Gwynne 2; Si Horne 1; Duncan Scott 2

Higgins London League - Division 2