Skipper confident over top-of-table clash

South Saxons Hockey Club's men's first team is in confident mood ahead of a top-of-the-table clash.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Feb 2016, 18:29 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 22:09 BST

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Action from the Sussex Plate semi-final between South Saxons and Penguin last month. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-160901-221109002)Action from the Sussex Plate semi-final between South Saxons and Penguin last month. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-160901-221109002)
Action from the Sussex Plate semi-final between South Saxons and Penguin last month. Picture by Simon Newstead (SUS-160901-221109002)

Sussex Open Hockey League Division One leaders Saxons will entertain second-placed Penguin on Saturday. Push-back at Horntye Park is 1.30pm.

Saxons captain Jamie Busbridge said: “We’re confident being at home that we can win and put a nice gap between us. If we win it’s another step closer, but there’s still a fair way to go.

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“It’s always a tough one, but Penguins away from home is a different prospect to when we play them at home. In the past we’ve run out fairly comfortable at home.”

The teams have contested a pair of 2-2 draws this season - one in the reverse fixture and another in last month’s Sussex Plate semi-final, which Penguin eventually won on penalties.

“That was frustrating, but we were missing a few players so I think it will be a very different game and we’ve got a bit more fitness under our belt now after Christmas,” added Busbridge.

Saxons will welcome back Paddy Cornish, Jon Meredith and Toby Reed, all of whom missed last weekend’s comfortable 7-1 win away to bottom side Worthing II, as well as Harry Reece from university.

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“We’re getting people back now,” said Busbridge. “Jon Meredith has been a big miss in midfield. One thing we’re working on is a plan B for Saturday if we need it - an alternative formation which we may be able to switch to if things aren’t working.”

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