Conditions were not great as the opposition began to arrive at Horntye Park.
As the rain slowed to a brief stop. It was decided by Captains and Umpires to proceed with the match. A 3 week gap for Men's 4's had preceded this clash. Nobody was prepared to let this potential league decider pass. Saxons were charged and ready to settle the division. Mid Sussex won the toss and opted to start in the shallow end.
Saxons started with energy despite the conditions (I think eager to get warm). Very quickly entering the Mid Sussex D and winning a short. M4's top scorer, James Heathfield, burying another classic short corner. 1-0.
Despite the early goal Mid-Sussex showed no interest in letting Saxons take advantage of the lead. They won a short corner of their own. Paul Rye charging it down only to send the deflection skyward, catching Keeper Billy Whizz off guard and a Mid Sussex forward did enough to see it over the line. 1-1.
This gave Mid-Sussex the drive to push on. Only helped by the absence of the green carded William Richardson for reckless use of his stick. Mid-Sussex attacked the Saxon end more frequently. In the excitement Billy removed 2 players from their feet including our own Mathew Bate, who scored a perfect 10 for his dive into the depths of Horntye Park. Mid Sussex then slid a ball past centre back Russel Cole who was safe in the knowledge there was others behind who also should have also cleared the ball, therefore removing any responsibility from himself as the ball crossed the line. 1-2.

Half time came as the rain increased. Shocked and frustrated Captain Paul Rye offered words of support and encouragement. To which the team seemed to respond well to.
Archie Sullivan picked up the ball in their half and did what Archie does best, fast and forward. Paul Rye stood in front of the open side of the goal ready to take all the glory, whilst Tim Laughton stood in front of the keeper, clearly a decoy. Archie didn’t get the memo and made a pass to Tim, who thankfully didn't disappoint and sent the ball under the keeper! 2-2
The umpires called a further check with the captains. After some back and forth, it was agreed to abandon. The game was an even match of the top two teams and the settled score was a fair reflection of the tie.
Saxons Men’s 4’s remain unbeaten and prepare to win the league away next Saturday against St Francis.

Big thank you to the Umpires and support foolish enough to bare the conditions. Its much appreciated.