On a wet and windy afternoon EG vets secured a third successive national Veterans Cup victory. This is the 5th time the team has won this trophy in the last 7 years, a remarkable record.

The game started at a fast pace with Stourport opening the scoring via their ex GB international Imran Sherwani in the third minute from a short corner. Following this early shock EG then proceeded to take control of the game and applied a long period of pressure to the Stourport defence. With Peter Head, Richard Leman and Richard Organ dominating the midfield it seemed only a matter of time before East Grinstead secured the equaliser however with a very mobile forward line Stourport represented a real threat on the break.

A number of short corners and other chances came and went but it wasn’t until the 27th minute when James Leman opened up the defence down the right and passed across to an unmarked Bram van Asselt that the goal came. Two minutes later Bram was again on hand to give Grinstead the lead.

EG continued to dominate the game and pressed on to look for the killer 3rd goal before half time however it was Stourport who scored next as the EG defence went walk about leaving their forwards to score via the helpless Phil Spain in EG goal. This made the score 2-2 at half time.

The second half started with a more even passage of play and as the tension mounted a number of robust challenges lead to a flurry of yellow cards. Peter Head for EG had a rest in the sin bin along with 3 Stourport players at various times in the half. Whilst this was all going on Bram had popped up again to give EG a 3-2 lead and this was followed up 2 minutes later with a classic James Leman goal from the edge of the D making it 4-2.

Stourport pulled a goal back from a short corner, which lead to a very tense last 20 minutes. David Payne the EG manger made a number of changes as injuries and tired legs needed replacing however the defence with Rob Clare and Dale Mullins in fine form held firm to the end.

Captain Tim Baggett collected the cup for the third year in succession and returned it to its rightful place in the EG trophy cabinet!

EG U18s beat Guildford in their semi-final on Sunday 7th May to reach the final of the Mercian Home Counties League. Full match report of this and the final against Reading on the Juniors & Academy page.

Congratulations to the 4s on their cup win on Saturday against Brighton & Hove - match details to follow.

An innovative news magazine programme covering hockey is launched today. Using
recently developed technology, TalkHockeyRadio delivers news and interviews ‘podcast’ to your personal computer. Simply go to our web site at www.TalkHockeyRadio.co.uk and download TalkHockeyRadio.

Hockey: This is just the start for Grinstead
by Howard Griggs, The Argus, Monday 3rd April 2006

Matt Jones today told his East Grinstead players to use their cup final heartbreak as a launchpad for greater things. Grinstead twice led yesterday's rollercoaster HA Cup final before going down 5-3 to hosts Reading. But team manager Jones was far from despondent afterwards, insisting: "This is just the start of things."

After taking over last summer Jones declared his intention to help re-establish the club as one of the forces of English hockey. The first part of that has already been accomplished with Grinstead sitting comfortably in mid-table in the premier division following back-to-back promotions. They have also won the National Indoor title, qualifying for Europe in the process, and now they have cup final runners-up medals to go with it.

But Jones wants more, a lot more, and you would not bet against East Grinstead achieving it. He said: "Our lack of legs showed in the last ten minutes and we saw that we don't necessarily have enough depth in the squad yet to be able to take a side of Reading's quality all the way for 70 minutes. "But we did fantastically well. We are disappointed but we quite clearly know this is the start of things to come rather than the finish.

"We have done enormously well this season and that is testimony to all the work that has been done by the lads in the squad and the backroom staff. I am proud of all the people involved in getting East Grinstead this far. I think we will be lifting trophies in the not too distant future. We've got two medals so far this season, one gold, one silver - I am not overly keen on silver but it shows progression as much as anything else and that is immensely valuable to the club moving forward."

Grinstead made a sluggish start and were punished after just six minutes when Andy Watts cleverly deflected the ball over goalkeeper George Harris. But Grinstead drew level from their first short corner on 24 minutes which Ashley Jackson struck low to the goalkeeper's right and this brought the game to life.

Seconds later Jackson came to his side's rescue with a great take in front of his own goal and then Grinstead went straight down the other end, with Ben Payne sending a reverse stick shot flying wide. On the stroke of half-time Grinstead went ahead with another superbly executed Jackson short corner, the buzzer having already gone for half-time.

The game got even better in the second half as Richard Mantell drew Reading level seven minutes after the break from a well-worked short corner, then Dominic Male put Grinstead back in front, steering the ball past goalkeeper Simon Mason after Mark Pearn had drilled a free-hit into the circle. Watts scored his second of the game on 50 minutes to make it 3-3 following a quick break, then came the game's turning point.

Umpire Andy Mair at first gave Grinstead a goal, ruling Pearn's free-hit had been touched by a team-mate in the circle, but then changed his mind after consulting fellow umpire Andrew Kennedy. Grinstead were furious and moments later they were behind when Mantell flicked home his second short corner of the afternoon. Reading captain Rob Todd rubbed salt into Grinstead's wounds in the closing moments, following up a rebound from another penalty corner to give his side their sixth title in 11 years.

Mantell, who delayed flying out to China to join the England squad for the World Cup qualifiers in order to play, proved to be the difference between the sides but who knows what might have happened if Grinstead's fourth 'goal' had stood with just over ten minutes remaining?

Jones said: "The second half bounced backwards and forwards. Then we had the disallowed goal to go 4-3 up and that was pivotal. If that had been given, the result may have been different. But I am really chuffed. That was a fantastic game to watch and truly representative of a top class English hockey final."

East Grinstead: Harris, Pearn, Trim, B. Payne, Jackson, R. Payne, Male, Justice, Ashdown, Quan Chan, Rogers. Subs: Holland, Howarth, Medcalf, Gilkes, Harms.

Reading had to work hard to head off the challenge of improving East Grinstead before winning 5-3.

The outcome of the men's final was in the balance until late in the game. Reading took advantage of a bad defensive error to go ahead through Andy Watts after only six minutes but Grinstead shook them by taking a 2-1 lead just on half-time.

Both goals were superbly executed from corners by Ashley Jackson, the UK Young Player of the Year. Even the experienced Simon Mason in goal was left powerless by Jackson's ability to get well inside the circle to flick. Jackson's entry to the England team cannot be delayed much longer.

Reading claimed their sixth England Hockey Men's Cup in 11 years with a 5-3 victory over East Grinstead - but they were made to work hard for it.

For a time it looked like the hosts' party was going to be spoiled by England Under-21s international Ashley Jackson, who superbly executed two penalty corners to give East Grinstead the half-time lead after Watts had cleverly deflected the ball over goalkeeper George Harris for the opener.

The draw has been announced for the quarter final stages of the U18 Mercian Home Counties competition. East Grinstead have been given a tough away draw against fellow National League Club Old Loughtonians. Old Louts won the Eastern Division with a 100% record. With EG also taking an unbeaten record into the tie, something will have to give. Due to unfinished fixtures in the northern division with Oxford Hawks, Northampton Lions and Eastcote still in contention, the round has been deferred until 23rd April.

Sunday 30th April - Monday 1st May; £30 per head, including Festival Dinner. Email

Amanda for details

Congratulations to the Indoor squad on their brilliant success on Sunday 5th February.

The Commonwealth Games Council for England today (Tuesday) announces a 16-strong men’s hockey squad to compete at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games.

The squad features four players who played for the Great Britain team that finished ninth at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. More details on

EH website.

For those of you who regularly watched the men’s first team on a Sunday, you don’t have to wait for the season to start up again after the break to catch some good quality hockey. The boys and girls of the junior section play their league and cup games on a Sunday and there is something on most weeks.

Please give your support to the stars of the future! Please check the club website for fixture details.

Please be aware of some important changes to training schedules for the New Year.

After much debate the club is launching a new Academy to replace the existing minis structure. This new initiative will be led by Bram van Asselt and will take place on Sundays from 9.30 – 10.30. All existing minis are welcome to take part under their existing club membership. Non members will be charged a nominal sum per session. The programme is based around a fun, basic skills and awards structure; more details will be available closer to the time.

This exciting new venture kicks off on Sunday 22nd January. It is important to note that the Thursday sessions will no longer be run so please don’t turn up!

Junior training will continue from 8th January on Sunday from 10-12 as before under the guidance of Matt McNeill. These sessions are open to Boys & Girls who are aged 11-16. An important change to note is that the 17/18 year olds whilst still classed as juniors will now take part in the senior sessions which for the Boys is 7-8.30pm on Thursdays and the Girls 7-9pm on Wednesdays.

An additional change is that Under 16s should not attend the senior sessions unless by invitation from the senior section. This is to make sure those boys and girls are training with players of similar abilities.

As always with such changes to routines it is likely that there may be some members who may find the timings less convenient than they currently enjoy however, we have tried to do the best for the club as a whole and hope that all can be accommodated.

As many of you will know, the Junior Section ran a training event around the visit of the England team to East Grinstead last Sunday.

I am pleased to inform you that the event was an unqualified success with 160 youngsters taking part. It was an incredible sight to see both pitches full.

My thanks go out to Jason Lee and the England squad for the time they gave. To see David Faulkner the UK Hockey performance director out with the youngsters was an unexpected bonus.

The real heroes of the day were Matt McNeill and Matt Jones who organized the initial coaching and warm ups and all those other volunteers from the men's and ladies sections who gave of their time to either coach or register the players. To me that is the real essence of a club when people give up their time without reward for the good of the whole. Not forgetting Richard Leman who I am sure has inspired a group of future Olympians.

For the junior committee the work doesn't stop there in that we have to make sure we follow through on the tremendous opportunity we have created and look to recruit as many of the youngsters to EG as we can. We can only guarantee our future prosperity by developing our own home grown talent which has to be on ongoing objective.

The Over 40s vets side have drawn Ipswich away on Sunday 15th January 2006, following their 3-1 win against Chelmsford last Sunday

I am pleased to announce that our Sidlow sponsored 1st XI have been nominated for the 'Team of the Year' award at the prestigious BBC South East Sports Awards 2005 on Sunday 4th December 2005 at the Hilton Brighton Metropole.

The event will be a celebration of sport across the South East and will be filmed for broadcast on BBC South East Today and will be reported on BBC Radio Kent and BBC Southern Counties Radio.

Well done to all those involved from the players to the sponsors, coaches, managers, supporters and committee (past and present).

I will update you on the outcome...!

On behalf of the Committee and club I would like to Congratulate Ashley Jackson on being chosen for the England Development squad to play the Irish Development squad in a curtain raiser before the full International match at the Highfields Hockey Centre, Nottingham on 9 November.

Following on from an excellent performance in the Under 21 World Cup - Ashley has achieved his just reward with a 'B' team place. Good luck Ash, and fingers crossed for your first full International cap in the not too distant future!

This season we will be looking to fully utilise our website to keep you informed of all activities within the club. This will include weekly selection and selection policy, club training dates and times, all fixtures and match reports and other events and social functions. Also news, details and links to our sponsors. Our thanks to Ann Needle for taking on the organisation and updating of the website.

We also have this season for the first time all away game times/venues so there are no excuses on availability – get the times/dates in your diary!

The 2005/2006 season will be one of the ‘strangest’ in recent times! Whilst we have the excitement of having our 1st XI back in the Premier league it also creates quite an anomaly for us in the New Year.

The Premier Division goes on hold from January to April 06 to avoid any clashes for international squad players with the Commonwealth Games and World Cup Qualifiers. The Division restarts in May and the season ends with the Super Cup on the weekend 16-18 June 2006.

Everyone needs to be aware of this throughout the club, because after the indoor season finishes in January we potentially have the prospect of most players moving down an eleven for the second half of the season through no fault of your own! The Committee are currently looking at how to ‘manage’ this, but please make a mental note.

Congratulations to the 1st XI on winning the PLUM tournament at Chelmsford earlier this month – click on

1st Team News for details.

Finally – sponsorhip, as I mentioned in previous correspondence. Have you arranged your pitch side banner from your company or a local business contact? Full details on these and other sponsorship packages from

BobGarton@glencourt.co.uk Direct dial: 01342 712674, Mobile: 07850 366108.

What an exciting prospect with the 1st XI back in the Premier League and the club committed to running 8 teams:- 1st XI to 5th XI, plus the Vets, the re-introduction of the Saints and of course, the Badgers.

Phil Coote your Club Captain has worked tirelessly over the summer with Richard Payne the 1stXI Captain at looking to strengthen certain areas of the squad and have had considerable success. On that note I would like to officially welcome Mark Pearn to the club as our new player/coach. Mark joins us from Polo Club, Barcelona and obviously before that from Reading. Mark has over 140 England Caps and 65 GB Caps and it is with great pleasure we welcome him to the club. Kwans wishes were to concentrate more on the playing side this year; and he has also recently confirmed that he will be with us for the next two seasons, which is great news.

Dan Shingles the England Junior International joins us from Teddington. Scott Ashdown has joined us from Reading, after playing a number of seasons indoors for us. Jan Hebestreit the young German forward joins us from Flottbek. George Harris the Welsh International Goalkeeper joins us from Old Loughtonians.

Thank-you to all of you who have agreed to captain a side this year, details can be found by clicking on 'Captains and Officers' in the menu to the left.

New fixture cards will be available courtesy of the new fixture secretary Nigel Knight – thank you to Nigel for all the hard work he has put in on this front. Please make every effort to attend and bring along any friends/colleagues you may know who are thinking of playing hockey. We will need a large an active membership to fill the above elevens.

Ian Woodley is the new Junior Chairman and he has also worked tirelessly over the summer looking to establish one of the best junior sections in the country. Click here to go to the

Junior pages

We are very hopeful of hosting an International hockey match this season and we also have England training at the club over a number of weekends in November/December. They will be assisting with the Sunday morning Junior training on the weekends they are at the club – another fantastic opportunity for any youngsters.

To maintain a club of this size we need as much support and sponsorship as we can get. We are grateful to Sidlows who have sponsored the 1st XI for several seasons, and have kindly agreed to continue this season. We now have available ‘Sponsorship packs’ for contacts you may have at work or elsewhere. These range from pitch side advertising banners upwards. Why not make your contribution to the club at the start of the season to obtain at least one pitch side banner? Please contact Bob Garton who is ‘Chairing’ our sponsorship committee and ask for the necessary information and advise him who you are hoping to contact so there is no overlapping in approach.

BobGarton@glencourt.co.uk Direct dial: 01342 712674 Mobile: 07850 366108.

For those of you who were unable to make the Awards Dinner at the end of last season, the Awards were as follows:

Men’s / Ladies section merger – this is something that has now been looked at in some detail and to keep us to date with virtually every other hockey club we are hoping to try and proceed with this in the coming weeks. This will initially require an EGM followed by an AGM – probably all on the same evening. You will obviously be informed of these dates.

Firstly I would like to say a big congratulations and thanks to all those who played in not only the final on Sunday but all those who have played in the previous games and supported us along the way – you can’t win a final unless you’re in it!! To the team who played on Sunday I would just like to say a big thanks for playing a great clean game of hockey, I knew you could do it and you made me proud!

The team arrived in a positive frame of mind as we all knew we had a strong squad who could play well together as a team. Our previous meeting with Chichester Centurians had not gone well, with many of our normal team either unavailable or filling in for the 1s. I was confident that this meeting would be very different. Walking down to the pitch we were also really pleased to see that we also had some supporters – many thanks to Di, Hilary, Ann, Lisa and Jo-Jo’s family!

After a slightly hesitant first couple of minutes, when Chi pushed hard, EG quickly found their feet and moved the ball about looking confident and strong. It was quite a balanced game with strong marking at the back quickly clearing the ball from the D. Strong hitting from all the defence quickly moved the ball from free hits breaking through the Chi ring. The midfield and forwards worked hard to get the ball up into an attacking position and although they were denied goals they did manage to get several sort corners.

The first short corner was time at last to put our practice and hard work into action and with Amanda pushing out, Helen stopping and Lottie striking, the Chi defence barely saw the ball before it hit the backboards putting EG 1-0 up. Taking the lead in the first half clearly rattled Chi, who were probably expecting to be in the lead some time previous to this, but EG kept clear heads (and a clear score sheet) when a renewed attack from Chi again tested our defences. Our midfield and forwards again pushed hard with Katie, Heather and Helen working really well together.

A second short corner went unconverted when saved by a good Chi defence but soon after our forwards had again given Lottie a chance to show that girls really can hit the ball! The same group again stepped up and the resounding thud of the backboard brought cheers from the team and our supporters. In the second half Chi came back with renewed strength and attacked consistently. Amy Piper made several fantastic saves before one lucky Chi player (Captain Louise Thew) managed to get one across the line.

Tired legs started to look like they might get the better of EG for a few minutes but some quick substitutions to give players a rest gave the team a new burst of energy. Unluckily none of this was converted into additional goals but it did mean that the ball spent more time in the Chi half. The game ended in splendid fashion with Amy making a save off the line to clinch EG a well earned 2-1 victory.

Special mentions go to Lottie (man of the match) for her hard work in defence and scoring the two goals, Helen & Amanda who both had especially good matches – nice sliding tackle Helen!!

Team: Emma Self (Capt), Hannah Major, Amy Piper, Lottie Gregory, Ellie Farrow, Frances Needle,

Lizzie Shepperson, Katie Hurrell, Amy Mathews, Amanda Hibbett, Jo-Jo Blunt, Helen Prinsloo,

On Saturday the Ladies 4th Team played Crowborough Chicks. I think everyone was quite enthusiastic because we all knew that the season was coming to an end and we had won our previous two games.

We started strongly, with some great attacks from midfield out to the wings, even though we were two men down at the start (Ella and Amy had disappeared). As the first half progressed, we got closer and closer to a goal. Eventually it came after a short corner was given. A strong hit out from Ella, stopped by Caroline and crossed to Amy who shot from 5 metres out and gave us the lead. We were unlucky not to have scored more in the first half, but we walked off at half time 1-0 up.

The second half began with a Crowborough pushback, they attacked well; but with some amazing defending by Di, Ann, Olivia and Sian, and a great save by Hannah, we did not concede. A great ball from Caitlin up to Megan on the right wing created a long corner, which earned us our second goal – Megan standing perfectly on the right post just chipped it in. Borough attacked again with long corners but yet again, the exceptional defending stopped any hitting the back of the goal. The third goal came after a run up the left wing by Flo who crossed it in to Megan on the right post, who made sure it hit the backboard, finishing the game on a high.

Team: Hannah Gilbert, Di Hibbet, Olivia Bevan, Ann Needle, Sian Rees, Caitlin Boyland, Caroline Large, Amy Pearson, Megan Rees, Flo Childs and Ella Davis.

On a beautiful afternoon in sunny December, EG travelled to Brighton with a team of youth, maturity and enthusiasm to take on Brighton & Hove 2nd XI. We knew they’d be ‘tough’ after narrowly missing out to them in the league, but during that game we had be lulled into a false sense of security. After just 10 minutes of Saturday's match Emma Pavitt had been struck off the ball by one of their players, both captains had been called over and been instructed to calm players and a Brighton player had been yellow carded. Unfortunately EG were also down 1-0 by a well-worked penalty corner.

The game then began to settle although the opposition continued to fly & slide into tackles with reckless abandon. EG managed to ride the onslaught and made some piercing runs. Some determined runs by both Helen Simms and Emma Pearson and some excellent skills from Felicity Cremin put Brighton under pressure and we were unlucky not to convert the opportunities.

The second half continued in the same vain with Brighton using a variety of dubious tactics to apply the pressure which the defence dealt with with ease including a spectacular ‘Cremin Sandwich’ on one occasion. EG were unlucky to concede another goal but were able to walk off the pitch knowing they had won the moral victory and were the classier side.

Last Saturday the Ladies 1st XI faced bottom of the table Mid Sussex away. A lack lustre start to the game, aggravated by the wet and windy conditions, hampered EGs efforts to settle and find their rhythm. This resulted in an unfortunate first goal from the opposition to put the visiting side behind.

The arrival of the sun seemed to lift EG's spirits and soon some good passing hockey was being played. A well forced short corner by Emma Pearson, who worked tirelessly throughout the game, resulted in Louise Shail belting a superb first time strike into the back of the net.

Skillful play from Flic Cremin helped secure another short corner, which again saw Louise Shail finding the back of the net and putting EG in the lead just before half time.

The second half continued to be a tough tussle between the two sides, but some persistent defending from EG’s defence, supported by the midfield, kept the opposition at bay. Although EG dominated much of the second half, we were unable to add to our 2-1 lead by the final whistle.

East Grinstead began the game in a determined fashion and took an early lead when a well-struck corner from Amanda Hibbett was deflected into the goal by Linda Parkin. East Grinstead dominated the first half, winning many short corners but unfortunately were unable to find the back of the net again and at half time the score remained 1-0.

In the second half Southwick worked their way back into the game and play was more end-to-end. East Grinstead however still created good attacking moves with Amanda Hibbett and Lisa Baete linking well down the left hand side. Another short corner was converted into a second goal when Linda Parkin picked up a rebound off the keepers pads and pushed it into the goal. Southwick came back strongly and pressured the East Grinstead defence finally breaking through and gaining two well-placed goals bringing the score level at 2-2.

Once again East Grinstead counter-attacked winning another short corner. It was Amy Pearson who this time deflected another excellent strike from Amanda Hibbett into the goal. With four minutes to go East Grinstead thought this would be enough to win but Southwick managed once again to even the score.

A final determined push saw another short corner, which offered one last chance. From the now well-practiced short corner team Linda Parkin’s pass was smashed into the goal for a well-deserved victory.

The team were Joy Poole, Sylvia Isbell, Di Hibbett, Hillary Massey, Emma Self, Caroline Large, Linda Parkin, Amanda Hibbett, Lisa Baete, Amy Pearson and Catherine Shin.

The top of the division Eastbourne team came to East Grinstead on a roll having won 6 of their last 7 matches. Undaunted, the home side set out determined to notch up at least a draw against this very strong development side. Both sides attacked well and East Grinstead played brilliantly in defence with the midfield feeding the forwards, only for the opposition defence to constantly return the ball to the other end.

All the East Grinstead players deserve credit for their fighting spirit but were unable to consolidate their efforts. Eastbourne scored in the first half and again after half time making the final score 2-0, however the standard of play was very high and East Grinstead left the field not displeased with their performance.

EG began the game in determined fashion but were surprised when BH midfield broke away with the ball and scored. It did not take EG long to put the record straight with 2 quick goals, the first by Allie Poole from a hard cross from Annie Davis and the second by Kerry Wilke who was positioned well on the post.

BH drew level but were overtaken again by EG when Linda Parkin drove the ball hard at the goalie and Debbie Guyver hit the rebound over the goal line.

The second half started with BH attacking hard against the strong defence of Hannah Major, Hiliary Masey, Jo Latrice and goalie Lisa Baete. The ball managed to get to an unmarked forward, standing at the goal mouth, who tapped it over the line to level the score at 3-3.

Mid-way through the second half a free hit was awarded to EG on the edge of the D. Hannah Major quickly took the shot with a gentle pass to Linda Parkin who passed it back to Hannah who drove it hard onto the backboard of the goal. The final goal was scored by Wendy Rose who picked up a rebound from Debbie Guyver’s shot that had hit the goalie’s pads.

The omens were promising: the shirts had been cleaned and ironed by Mr Legg, we had warmed up before the other team had arrived and our team mascot (Dracula in strappy sandals!) was working hard at spooking the opposition.

The opening minutes went well with some sharp and confident passing keeping Brighton’s defence busy. The new look E.G. forward line of Hannah, Louise K and Leggy (obviously put at left wing to frighten the opposition with her blistering pace!) worked hard and were well supported by a strong midfield of Simmsy, Alex and Michelle.

Unfortunately, this encouraging start did not produce the goal it deserved and after an E.G attack broke down, Brighton moved quickly towards the E.G. goal and finished with a well taken shot. Despite a series of E.G. short corners, one of which produced a sizzling roofed effort from Simmsy that was disallowed for marginally exceeding the height of the backboard, we went into half time trailing 1-0.

The second half saw further disappointment as Brighton doubled their lead. E.G. continued to put the work in but were seemingly trying too hard. Tragedy then turned to farce as Brighton’s third trickled over the line. A few sorry souls turned up later to drown their sorrows at the spooks party.

After a superb team talk the team came out fighting. With a strong attack from EG, Brighton felt under pressure but the game was very equally matched. The first goal came for EG just before half time from a drive down the right wing followed by a switch to the left and a fantastic cover drive by Allie Poole.

The second half saw the teams battling equally until the EG forwards attacked in force again with good support from midfield with Ellie Watson picking up a rebound from the keeper at the top of the circle and scoring through three defenders.

Brighton came back strongly with one goal just before the end but EG held them at 2-1 for the first victory of the season. Thank you to David Sumpter for umpiring.

22 October 2005: 1st XI 1 - Eastbourne 8

Right from the whistle EG worked so hard that smoke flared from their almighty astros, but once more, to the dismay of our horde of fans (lol!), our efforts reaped little reward, with Eastbourne claiming their first goal in seconds.

Shortly after their first goal came their second. Then shortly after their second goal came their third!

Louise S, Emma, Jenny and even Shirley who had to keep up with a VQYT (very quick young thing!) defended to their undisputable best with Nikki making some excellent saves - I could have hugged you all!

However, Eastbourne were a strong side with the confidence to shoot from all angles resulting in more goals.

At half-time we were not perturbed by Eastbourne's 6-0 lead and we played the second half with our heads high, determined to get one back.

Our game improved with Louise K and Georgia working the ball well up front, with a fantastic joint effort from Lauren, Helen and Louise K. Louise K struck a beautiful raised ball from the wide right of the D and crack, the ball was in the back of the net. Mphwaaah Louise!

And on that positive note I shall leave it, with the final score being 8-1.

A special thanks to Emma and Louise S whom we all thought played a brilliant game and never gave up.

I would also like to say well done to Nikki W on the wing for touching the ball an incredible 3 times!

Well done all, it was a tough game against a tough side who had a lot of local support.

Man of the match: Louise S/Emma P; Wally of the week: Nicky W

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and we were playing absolutely fabulously!

Right from the start, possession was ours with short corners galore.

The opposition looked fierce, physical - and ready for a tough game. Nicky made some excellent attacks from the wing despite some rugged tackles and EG were unlucky to concede a goal somewhat against the run of play.

The second half started as positively as the first, with the team gelling like Marvin Gaye and soul!

Alex and Helen whisked the ball thoroughly through the mid-field and up to the forwards, using every inch of the pitch, whilst Michelle was making some excellent interceptions and switching the ball with great success.

With Shirley making her debut as goal-keeper, Jenny, Louise and Shelagh defended like their lives depended on it (on Starchy's orders!) bouncing the balls back to the attackers, with Georgia and Lauren moving well up front.

As the second half progressed more short corners brought more opportunities and, better late than never, Helen swept in a beautiful cross to make it 1-1.

Shortly afterwards we claimed our second goal with Helen tapping the ball between a confused keeper's legs - sorry, but you must always play to the whistle!!!

Final score 2-1 to EG! Can I get a whoop whoop? Well done girls!

Well...where do I start! I could quote my fellow team mates on our performance, but I've decided not to in order to save poor Ann on censoring! Instead I will simply say we did not get off to the best start!

Throughout the first half Lewes were dictating the game, playing through the middle, whilst we were busy playing wide, subsequently assisting in Lewes' first four goals before the half time whistle was blown.

After a team discussion, this error in judgement was corrected with Alex and Louise working hard in the mid-field. Natalie Parker, seizing the opportunity, fired a superb cross to the far post where Georgia cleanly swept in our first goal.

To our dismay, just after getting one back, Lewes broke through to score their 5th goal! Amy looked distrought as she struggled with her goal kit (it's new and she had the wrong size - and colour! delivered. We're not blaming the equipment! - but that's another story!)

Shelagh, Shirley, Jenny, Louise and Emma expediently stepped up to the second half where their constant battling allowed Natalie to claim another goal, with the ball coolly being put past the Lewes defenders who were left shielding an open goal.

Heads were starting to rise and East Grinstead were looking more like the champion team we should be, but once again we found our form too late. Even despite one last fantastic effort by Louise Keith resulting in our third and final goal.

As Natalie said "we learnt from our mistakes" and with a highly talented, but newly formed team it is early days and soon there will be no stopping us! (just stop putting me as forward and we'll be fine! - Joke!)