Lost 5-1
Scorers: S Keir
MoM: Hugo
DoD: Goodman
With thanks to team sponsor MPil http://www.ideaworks.co.uk
The Grims travelled to Eastbourne with their sights set on ending the free scorings Sussex’s sides league charge. The saffron sports club has not been a happy hunting ground in recent years with some heavy defeats, however this years Grims are a bit of a stubborn old bunch and have a defensive record that is much better than their league position indicates. With most of the core squad (old boys) available and the inclusion of yet more youngsters hot of the polo farm conveyor belt, even yours truly was optimistic of pitching a result.
The grims played well first half, passing swiftly and creating chances. However a sucker punch was dealt when the umpire deemed a robust but perfectly clean tackle by Buckingham the younger to be a penalty corner. Even though it was about 40 yards from goal. Eastbourne’s penalty corner then went in via a back stick and despite the grims corner team raising their arms in unison, reminiscent of Adams, Bould and Winterburn circa 1995, the umpire wasn’t having any of it. 1 nil down. Eastbourne got another before the Grims scored a corner through Gadget. Classic Keir, low keepers left. 2-1. Then just before half time Eastbourne snuck another. 3-1 at the break.
The second half was a decent contest but Eastbourne were more clinical. Their goal keeper also pulled off some very good stick saves, which meant despite grims good work they found themselves 5-1 down at the end.