Kate Smith aka Bills reports: "In yet another hard-fought battle, Brighton's women's first team faced Epsom in a tightly contested match that showcased resilience and teamwork on both sides.

With a squad of 15 players, Brighton came out strong, eager to secure a victory. The first half saw Brighton dominate possession, thanks to impressive linking play between the screens (Bara, Bills, and Eliza) and the left/right halves (Orla, Renee, and Elodie). The home side pushed up the pitch, creating several opportunities in the D. There were several shots at goal from Aoife, Joey and Dani which were saved by Epsom's determined defence.

Brighton earned multiple short corners, but Epsom's solid defensive unit held firm, effectively neutralising Brighton's attempts to convert these chances into goals. As the second half unfolded, Brighton continued to show their fighting spirit, maintaining their intensity and determination. The defensive line, featuring Meg, Hannah H, Hannah S, Abby, and Sophie, proved to be a formidable barrier, successfully blocking Epsom's advances.

Particularly commendable was their composure in the dying minutes of the game when Epsom ramped up the pressure. Amanda's skilful saves throughout the match also played a crucial role, denying Epsom the chance to steal the win. Ultimately, the match ended in a draw with Brighton securing a hard-earned point.

Though it was another close game, the team remains optimistic about the future, looking forward to next week's encounter against a feisty Oxted side, where they aim to claim all three points.

On a lighter note, it seems a few players managed to dodge the report this week - Sean, who missed the game and only told us 60 minutes before the start ; Sophie, who arrived 45 minutes late with a bag of crisps; and Joey, who didn’t know how to put on her face mask correctly during short corners. Guys, this girl plays for England!

Kudos to Ryan for his passion/anger on the sidelines with both the team’s performance as well as the umpires. Brighton continue to build on their momentum and, with the dedication shown, a victory is certainly on the horizon.

MoM: Bara - for her solid performance and incredible work rate.
DoD: Bills - for an unfortunate tumble on the pitch."

BHHC 4s 0
BHHC 3s 7

Alex Smart reports: "The W3s left nothing behind at this exciting intra-club meeting. They did however leave various items of swimwear, sliders, coats, empty shot glasses and their sobriety at Jo’s house.

With a very early start time, Jo was out on the Downs at dawn to shoot enough ducks for the team cassoulet that evening. The team knew that they’d have to work hard against the 4s' solid defensive line, fit midfielders and hungry forwards. With Meg’s key focus areas firmly in our minds, we kept the pressure high and were eventually rewarded with our first team goal after some quick passing through the midfield for Jo to nail a strong finish in the bottom left corner. Bingo.

Stepping up for a PC, Lizzy was able to strike a rebounded ball into the backboard for the second. Despite the 4s doing a great job marking Jo, she was able to receive the ball in the D again for another strike - this time finished by Elise with perfect positioning on the left post.

Into the second half and the game continued to flow for the 3s. Amanda made a welcome return, happily slotting into right half with freedom for some signature danger runs. Diva nailed her tackles to shut down several good counter attacks. Gemma was solid on the left hand side to thwart any attacking play that came her way.

Juliet and Georgie as screens came into their own, offering outlets and redistributing the ball brilliantly. Georgie’s slap hits are thankfully better than her hearing. She thought a member of the police had waved her vag rather than her badge in the bar.

Abbie had a relatively quiet morning but was caught off guard with a quick counter attack and managed to almost kick the ball into the goal behind her. Daya made a welcome guest appearance with great energy in midfield.

Penalty corner practice paid off with Jo scoring her second goal from a straight strike. Shifty Shelley’s tireless runs and strong elimination skills were rewarded with a finish for her and Sorrel also found the backboard after some great link up play in the 25. Dangerously close to a hatrick, Legs Eleven Ange saved Jo’s credit card by deflecting the next straight strike on a PC into the net. It was so quick, no one actually saw what happened but as the ball was nestled in on top of the backboard, we were awarded the goal.

A “lucky seven” goals but most importantly, great energy and team play from everyone.
After a few ciders on the hill, it was back to Masterchef Towers for hot tub bonding and a Michelin quality meal. Georgie arrived with quality Co-op gifts for the hostess; who doesn’t love an advent calendar and a chocolate orange in September.

Not only was I DoD for lewd comments in the changing room, I also bore the brunt of the Limoncello shots after initiating a round of 21s. A quick long walk to the clubhouse for more drinks, beer pong (another win to the 3s, sorry) and a game of pool for midgets.

PoM: Votes for Ange, Lizzie, Georgie, Elise, Jules, Alex (from Drinkie who might or might not have actually watched any of the match despite being there) and a whopping five to well deserved PoM and Masterchef, Jo.

DoD: Alex - If it hadn’t already been decided in the changing room, it would have been sealed after Limoncello shot no 17."

Middleton 2s 0
BHHC 7s 3

Catherine Moss reports: "After a defeat at the hands of a well-drilled, fast East Grinstead team last week, the 7s ventured to Littlehampton. As many of us had not played together before, it was a good opportunity to trial a 4-2-2-2 formation, as coached by Wendy at the last training session.

Although Caroline was the only person on the team who owned up to being a forward, there were multiple attacks on the Middleton goal by the midifielders as well. Juliette claimed the first goal. Unfortunately, Lara went off injured and was unable to play for the rest of the game, but last-minute sub Kate appeared after hot-footing it from the hairdresser. Soon after, Anna treated us to an incredible Tomahawk goal. Middleton were pressing and the first half ended with a nail-biting penalty corner, but our defence denied them.

The second half continued in attacking mode, with the Middleton team continuing to struggle to contain Tilly, who was running rings around them.
Alex played in the left wing position and was well-positioned to score the third goal. Overall, the performance was positive by the whole team.

PoM: Tilly
DoD: Kate - for vanity (late due to hairdresser appointment but perhaps unfair as she agreed to be sub at short notice)."

Other results

BHHC 2s 0 Guildford 3s 1
BHHC 4s 0 BHHC 3s 7
BHHC 6s 0 BHHC 5s 1