Jack Maslen, Jamie Thompson , Ben Ventham, Charlie Matthews, Sam Ventham, Dominic Dann, Oliver Longworth
Alex Esson, Jamie Maclaren, Oliver Smith, Cameron Bygraves
Josh Cather, Jack Maybank

Hurst fielded a 1st XI weakened by the absence of key players  for this critical match against Lancing College and coach Ian Pattison took the brave decision to ‘blood’ 3 players from the U16 squad for the fixture.

The home team began strongly with Josh Cather, (an England U19 squad member) effectively controlling the midfield and Hurst scored the first goal of the match from a Penalty Corner drag flick by Cather, shortly followed by a second goal after a powerful long distance shot from Dominic Dann.

As the first half drew on, Lancing gained in confidence and their fluid play gave them many chances at goal, none of which quite made it into the back of the net.  Hurst too fluffed a number of goal scoring opportunities and so went into the half time break a respectable 2-0 up. 

In the second half Lancing got to grips with the match and dominated possession for long periods. They created some excellent scoring chances but outstanding goalkeeping by Charlie Matthews denied Lancing the opportunity to get back into the match.  As the final whistle was about to be blown, Hurst’s Ben Ventham snapped a last minute shot into the back of the net, thus giving Hurst a final 3-0 victory.

Hurst’s Master in charge of Hockey, Chris Wilson, commented “The most pleasing aspect of the performance was the improvements by the three younger members of the squad, all of whom are still under 16. Alex Esson, Cameron Bygraves and Oliver Smith have certainly brought real life to what was at times a slightly under par performance by Hurst today.”

The Hurst 1st XI next play Beacon School away in the semi final of the Sussex Cup competition on 30th January and the College’s U14 team, who won the West Sussex Tournament earlier this month now play Ardingly College in the Sussex final in early February.

Hurst's Oliver Smith driving through Lancing defence.