Stroud double sets Mens 3's up for home victory.

Saxons made a slow start at Horntye Park, St Francis took advantage mounting an early counter attack that resulted in skilfully converted penalty corner.

The visitors goal stunned Saxons who struggled to get control of the game. Saxons pressed St Francis into the opposing half and managed to find a foot in the D to win a Penalty Corner. Julian Buss's hit was saved by the Keeper. Quick thinking man of the match Ed Stroud calmly picked up the rebound and flicked it high into the net to level the score.

Saxons continued the pressure to win a succession of penalty corners without converting any opportunities. The deadlock was finally broken when Stroud almost produced a repeat of his first goal only for a defender to stop it on the line with his body. The resulting penalty flick was taken by Ben Simmons who wrong footed the keeper and played the ball low into the backboard.

Saxons led 2-1 at half time and returned to the pitch determined to open up a gap.

St Francis attacked with renewed vigour calling George Sutton into action on a number of occasions to keep Saxons in the game.

Saxons continued to struggle for another goal. The pressure told and frustrated and overly verbal Ed Chapman picked up a yellow card.

Ten man Saxons regrouped and defended well to hold off St Francis and maintain their lead.

Back to 11 men Saxons rallied and pushed forward. Stroud picked up the ball outside the oppositions 23 metre line and skilfully outwitted three players before flicking the ball into the top left corner of the goal.

Some unpleasantness from a St Francis player who had been on borrowed time in the second half was met with a green card and 2 minutes in the sin bin. Saxons were unable to capitalise further and the game ended 3-1 to Saxons.

Saxons: G Sutton, Bontoft, Davies, Carrington, Chapman, Stroud, Buss, Merison, Kemsley, Dyas, Simmons, Whitehead.