A really lively encounter here between Wickers 1sts and South Saxons 2nds ended with honours even after a somewhat bad tempered stop start game was interrupted by moments of real genuine class hockey

Southwick were very slow to get going in this one and Saxons had the majority of the play in the first 15-20 minutes without really looking like getting past a determined back line of Alex Mills and Tom Bird that was superbly marshalled by Grant Packham at centre back. Both sides had carved out some half chances although Joe Davis did pull off one outstanding save to keep the scores at 0-0 before the game suddenly burst into life. A dubious short corner was awarded I think it may have been for a high stick from Millsy even though no one was near him and he actually made no attempt to play the ball (?) and Saxons produced a lovely routine with one of their guys taking a long run up which looked like it was set for a drag flick but when he got to the ball he slipped it left to an unmarked runner who put the Hastings based club 1 up, Most of Southwick were still disputing the decision however Sparky Mark Ansell, who had already picked up a green card for arguing decided to get on with the match instead and made an incredible winding run through the middle of the Saxons midfield and defence beating 4 or 5 players before banging it in the corner. The Saxons lead had lasted all of 60 seconds. The rest of the half saw Southwick turn the screw and begin to dominate creating some excellent chances but unable to take a lead. It also saw good natured running banter between the supporters and the Saxons number 18 , and a less good natured row with the umpires from both sides.

Wick had really took a foothold in the game and started the 2nd half far the stronger of the 2 sides, there was a nasty collision between Sparky and covering Saxons player when he looked clear through on goal. It was not malicious however blood was drawn on Sparky's eye and a yellow was shown. With the man advantage for 5 minutes Southwick took a 2-1 lead after a shot was blocked on the line by a Saxons foot and John Glover stepped up and cooly slotted home the penalty flick with a perfect finish. Southwick should have seen the game out but seemed to get themselves distracted arguing with umpiring decisions and allowed Saxons back into the game and they eventually equalised from a 2nd contested short corner from a close range finish after a saved shot from Joe in goal. At 2-2 it was pretty open and both sides had chances to win it, Southwick went agonisingly close in the final minute when they won a last minute short corner however the ball bouncing around the D hit Birdy's foot rather than stick in front of the goal and was cleared. The final whistle blew hands were shaken, a good result and fair outcome but I couldn't shake the feeling perhaps this was 2 points dropped by the lads