After an amazing summer of Back2Hockey, with Paul, James and Mezza in particular enabling it, the number of new players was significant
as players in higher teams moved on.

There were some important signings before the first league match including international transfers - Quintin (Zimbabwe), Adrian (Wales), Andrew (Bradford) and Ed (Undisclosed) all are free signings. After all we're not Wrexham!

Before the games there was some shirt swapping. No, Messi wasn't there, it was just to get everyone into red shirts as it was a late switch to an away fixture.

Saxons took early possession. (Not surprising really as I won the toss!) From that point it was a switch to resilience for 20 minutes where a younger, skillful and faster opposition were pushing hard.

After twenty minutes of pressure from Brighton a short corner resulted in an umpiring conundrum. The outcome was a penalty flick which Billy Whizz saved!

After 25 minutes Brighton took the lead although a break for James on the keeper showed that Saxons could create great chances.

Some subtle adjustments during the break gave Saxons a new approach.

Brighton made it 2-0 early in the second half. But that was only part of the story. Saxons created more chances as Lucas, JP and Arlo made good breaks. For one Lucas managed a shot which would have troubled row Z and in another James had a far post exchange with the keeper without success. Oh, and there was some good footwork from Quintin which was spotted by the umpires and recognised by the team after the game.

Although 2-0 was the final score that wasn't the whole story. With great league debuts from the new signings there was more good news - Andrew put in a Star Player performance.

The team chat over the Brighton tea with everyone around the table after the game was another highlight. Seeing a group of people who put in the effort, challenged a better team and said enjoyed it was just great. With the blood awards only going to Josh, with minor scrapes on hand and leg, it was also a good sign.

Looking forward to Lewes next week.