By Vicky Wayman
Men’s Ones
Crowborough Hockey Club’s Men’s Ones continued their strong form, earning four points from two matches. They secured their first home win of the season with a commanding 5-0 victory over Horsham Threes, featuring goals from Harry Turner (penalty flick), Chris Cowan (drag flick), and further strikes by Hamish Marr, Olly Yeomans, and James Partridge. Their next fixture was a 2-2 draw against Crawley, despite missing six regulars. Crawley scored twice from short corners, but Crowborough responded through Cameron McCabe and Hamish Marr, with Mikey Orchard’s goalkeeping ensuring a share of the points.
Women’s Ones
The Women’s Ones played two tough matches, losing 3-1 to East Grinstead despite Sandra Hepple’s excellent saves and a powerful equalizer from captain Sam Williams. Late goals saw East Grinstead pull ahead, and midfielder Charlotte Richardson suffered an injury. In their next match, Kate Baxter scored twice, but the team fell 4-2 to Eastbourne, with defender Millie Rymer-Gough sustaining a head injury. Despite the losses, the team showed fluidity and promise for future games.
Women’s Twos
Women’s Twos maintained their strong start, winning 2-1 against Eastbourne with goals from Lottie Currie and Matilda Whitney. Daisy Howes was named player of the match for her defensive work. They followed up with a thrilling 5-4 home win over South Saxons, with Currie scoring twice and additional goals from Fiona von-Hinten, Whitney, and Caroline Cardoza. Olivia Springer impressed on her debut, and Emma Chrismas was also in fine form.
Men’s Twos
Men’s Twos, previously unbeaten, lost a top-of-the-table clash to East Grinstead. After trailing 3-0 at halftime, they fought back with late goals from Darren Pullman and Steve Burns, and nearly equalized through Ted Fulham. The previous week was a bye.
Men’s Threes
Men’s Threes enjoyed a perfect run, winning both matches. They beat South Saxons 2-0 with goals from James Lee and Harvey Holman, and then Worthing Sevens 4-0, featuring two goals from Nate Potter, one from Eddie Dennett, and another from George Lawson. Goalkeeper Albie Stubbings and Sam Shearn were standout performers.
Women’s Threes
Women’s Threes lost 3-1 to Burgess Hill after goalkeeper Alice Deadmon was injured, with Ana Ditrich stepping in. Sally Bolton scored Crowborough’s goal. The team had a bye the following week.
Women’s Fours
Women’s Fours drew 0-0 with Brighton, thanks to Amanda Catling’s goalkeeping and Rachel Catling’s return. The next week, they lost 7-1 to Hailsham, but improved in the second half. Jennie Turner was player of the match, and Willow Cureton impressed on her debut. Jen Brough scored Crowborough’s consolation goal. Captain Bethy Catling suffered a head injury and was unable to continue.
Boys and Girls Development Teams
The boys’ development team lost 8-1 to Eastbourne but improved after halftime, with Will Rendall scoring. The girls’ development team dominated much of their match against Eastbourne but lost 2-1, with a disallowed goal and strong passages of play. Both teams had two bye weeks due to half term.