Goal rush lifts the gloom at Kingsham - but other hockey sides lose

On a cold grey day Chichester were looking to build on their win at Brighton – but the few spectators who were braving the weather were shown a desperate first half. Thankfully their peseverance was rewareded as Chichester eventually ran out 7-1 winners over Purley

The disappointing aspect for the home team was that, instead of setting a high standard, they played as poorly as Purley.

Luke Emmett scored for Chichester after eight minutes, but Purley equalised from a bizarre umpiring decision. A penalty stroke was awarded to Purley for a back stick in the D. Both teams were surprised but Purley scored.

A lively discussion at half-time seemed to lift spirits and get Chichester moving up several gears.

This is a young side with three players aged 17 and under – and it was that trio who were to shape the second half.

Chichester proved too strong and fit for Purley. Twelve minutes into the second half Holten delivered the second Chichester goal.

Emmett fired home to make it 3-1 and another youngster, McGoughlin, opened his first-team scoring account when Emmett unleashed a fierce strike which left the Purley keeper screaming in pain on the ground, which he followed up and calmly placed in the net.

Emmett scored again to claim his hat-trick. He will be missed next weekend, when Chichester are away to Old Georgians, as he is with an England U18 training weekend.

Cameron Mead stepped up to score spectacularly from a penalty stroke for a dreadful tackle by a Purley defender.

Matthew Cox completed the scoring to make it 7-1 five minutes from time.

This brings Chichester back into positive goal difference.

Old Georgians will field four first team players from Chichester’s team of last year this weekend.

Centurions 1 Mid Sussex 6

Ladies’ Sussex League

Centurions home clash with second from top team Mid Sussex was always going to be tough, but with a team of ten, Centurions rose to the occasion.

Early pressure paid off with a break from Thew and a goal. The defence were called on and Harris made a valuable interception.