Orla Lee reports: “Having lost to Holcombe earlier in the season and after a disappointing defeat the week before, we were determined to turn things around and kick off our double-header weekend with a win.

The game on Saturday started with an early setback as we went 1-0 down in the first half. However, we didn’t let this deter us. We responded by raising our intensity, making solid link-ups and working well as a team. Our efforts paid off when Meg and Bara combined beautifully with a one-two, which Dani cleverly finished off to bring us level at 1-1.

The second half began with renewed focus, especially after some encouraging words from Sean. We soon took the lead with a brilliant deflection by Renee at the back post from a short corner. We continued to dominate possession and create chances, but a quick counter attack from Holcombe saw them equalise.

From there, our heads dropped, and Holcombe capitalised, scoring two more goals to seal the win with a final score of 4-2.

Renee was named MoM for her relentless work rate and determination in both defence and attack. DoD went to Orla for her tumble - despite there being no one near her”.

BHHC 1s 1
Woking 1s 3

Abby Furber reports: “After an unfortunate start to the second half of the season, we were raring to go and give a good fight against Woking on Sunday, especially Bara who had to organise the match after it was frozen off.

The whistle blows and Brighton are off to a cracking start with Bara chucking an aerial and Aoife picking it up, upgrading us to a short corner. Unfortunately, we were unable to convert this to a goal but we remained a threat and were eager to get the goal we deserved.

In a brief, unfortunate few minutes Woking were able to punish us, and within the span of 10 minutes put three away against us, two off a short corner and one in open play just about sneaking into the goal.

Heads were low at half time, but strong words from the coaches and captain motivated us and we could not wait to go into the second half and get our mojo back. We battled hard and were so close to scoring on multiple occasions.

Finally, half-way through the second half we got the goal we deserved with Bara scoring from a penalty corner. We did not stop there, continuing to put pressure on the Woking defence. We were unfortunate to not score again, and the match ended 3-1 to Woking. Gutted!

We are looking forward to next week and getting back to playing some great hockey!

MoM: Aoife.
DoD: Abby (pre-match sleepover).”

BHHC 3s 3
Worthing 1s 1

Alex Smart reports: "The W3s returned to top form and the top of the league with a strong performance on Saturday.

A new strategy of team breakfast and reflection with platters of delicious bagels care of our own Masterchef, Jo, really helped. I’m not sure how we will top this next week – maybe a soggy McMuffin on the A27. Despite a posh Sage barista machine, ably manned by popular TikTok book reviewer, Zoe, someone had the audacity to bring a can of Monster to breakfast… Meg. The nasty beverage clearly went to her head as she announced to the breakfast table that her cousin was married to a horse.

While at breakfast, Aisha’s car keys changed their mind about working and she returned to the pitch unable to access any of her kit. Not letting the lack of clothing stop her, she started the match in her husband’s hockey kit (including mouth guard) and Zoe’s maroon socks that I really thought we’d seen the back of.

Not satisfied with having the fastest strike in the club, Jo has been working on her upper body strength with an absurdly large water bottle that requires both hands to pick it up and eclipses most of her when drinking from it.

Worthing’s strategy of a half court press with one poor sod up front doing a 10k trot back and forth trying to win the ball from our defensive line really helped us work on strong transfers. Diva, Lizzy, Aisha, Zoe and Amanda patiently worked the ball up the pitch with Emily, Georgie and Gemma in screen moving the opposition to create pockets of space. Amanda was relentless with danger runs up the right wing to help everyone attack as a team and Gemma embraced her new screen role brilliantly with some lovely distribution.

The forward line of Shelley, Jo and Izzy worked well with midfielders Sorrel and Elise with a big focus on moving the ball quickly to eliminate and get into the D. After several shots down the middle were saved, Izzy showed great composure and decision making in the D, carrying towards the keeper to flick the ball into the left corner and get us on the scoresheet. Lizzy’s dangerous straight strike on a penalty corner gave us a 2-0 lead into half time.

We continued to dominate in the second half with some strong attacking play, including a successful crossbar challenge shot from Jo. Everyone was too busy going “oooohhhh” to get the rebound in the goal. A well executed out and in penalty corner routine saw Jo on the P spot to get the ball into the goal for our third reward.

Abbie had a pretty quiet day at the office, mainly due to their forward being too exhausted by her shuttle runs to do much when she did actually get the ball. Worthing managed to claw one goal back with a comedy almost save from Abbie as she did an impressive knee slide but left the ball alongside her. All of her other clearances were excellent.

With a helpful draw for East Grinstead vs Lewes, we’ve reclaimed the no.1 spot, just one point ahead of second and third place.

PoM: Izzy for great hustle and work rate and screen Queen, Gemma.

DoD: Despite Aisha cross dressing and looking like a walking second hand shop, Meg was DoD for the strange family marriages and then dropping sweets all over the place at half time."

Other results

Horsham 2s 1 BHHC 2s 3
Middleton 1s 4 BHHC 4s 1
BHHC 5s 0 South Downs 1s 1
Mid Sussex 2s 5 BHHC 6s 1
Burgess Hill 3s 0 BHHC 7s 3
BHHC 8s 0 Southwick 2s 4