Saxons rally for splendid win

Saxons fought back from two-down against South Hockey League Kent/Sussex - Regional 2 high-flyers King’s & Alleyn’s to secure an improbable 3-2 victory.

The hosts started brightly, squandering a couple of gilt-edged opportunities to go ahead, and were duly punished by the slick passing from King’s. The opening goal was a sharp finish from a good cross and they doubled their lead through a controversial short corner.

The Saxons fightback started just before the interval when the returning George Eldridge netted a textbook drag-flick through a penalty corner.

A rousing half time team-talk from stand-in skipper Gavin Cload and coach Ken Coombs further lifted Saxons’ spirits, with Jamie Busbridge poaching home from five yards after a slick penalty corner routine from Eldridge and Toby Reed to level the scores shortly after the restart.

Man of the match Stew Feakes pulled off two treble-saves to keep King’s at bay and with less than 10 minutes remaining, the dynamic Alex Coombs picked up the ball and drove into the 25 before slipping it to Rob Whitehouse, who teed up James Bunday to slot home.

King’s failed to convert from a last gap penalty, giving Saxons three precious points ahead of an away trip to table-topping Blackheath & OE this coming weekend.

Standings (played 13 matches unless stated): 1 Blackheath & OE 31pts, 2 King’s & Alleyn’s 24, 3 Brighton & Hove II 23, 4 Crawley (12) 23, 5 Sevenoaks II 22, 6 Lewes II 17, 7 Mid-Sussex 16, 8 SOUTH SAXONS (12) 12, 9 Sutton Valence II (11) 12, 10 Cliftonville (12) 12, 11 Canterbury III 7.