Simon Healey reports: “A large crowd and beautiful spring weather saw Devizes visit Blatch for this last 16 clash in the England Hockey national championship (tier 2) on Sunday.

Brighton fielded a strong team but had several walking wounded due to illness or injury. Devizes were well organised and had lots of possession early on but we were always a threat on the counter, particularly Elise on the left.

Brighton opened the scoring from a short corner, set up by Honey and finished by Sorrel. Poppy added a brilliant second, set up by Sorrel. As half time approached Devizes began to threaten more, and got back on level terms with one good finish and a second scrappier goal.

The girls regrouped at half time and came out battling, dominating the second half. Elise scored twice, assisted by Honey and Imo, and we had other good chances to add to the lead.

Devizes battled hard but could not turn possession into clear chances and we held on for a 4-2 win. It was a great team performance with several players giving their best performance for the club - Athena’s play on the wing standing out.

So the quarter-finals are in three weeks - it could be a trip to Jersey, Thirsk or Chester up next (anyone got a bus?!)"