Watters: We can do it

South Hockey League Sussex Area - Division One runners-up Saxons will take on Tunbridge Wells, who finished second in Kent Area - Division One, for a place in Kent/Sussex - Regional Two.

Captain Pete Watters said: “It could go either way, but we’re confident going into it because we always are. I really think we will do it, I think we’re going to be strong enough. I love the big games - it’s why you play.”

Watters’ side ended their league programme with 50 points from 22 games, getting the better of third-placed Lewes III on goal difference after a dramatic 3-2 victory in their final match away to East Grinstead IV last weekend.

Interestingly, although they totalled eight points fewer than when they finished in the same position last season with an unbeaten record, Saxons scored an extra 30 goals and conceded only six more this term.

Wells managed 51 points from 22 outings, but their goal difference of +51 was 39 worse than that of Saxons. The teams met in a pre-season friendly which Saxons won 5-1, albeit probably against below strength opposition.

“I’ve got to assume they will be similar to us and it will probably be who makes the least mistakes,” continued Watters. “Hopefully it will be a really tight game and we will just come out on top. I can’t wait.”

Watters believes that Saxons will have a “slight advantage” in as much as the match will take place on the water-based pitch at East Grinstead Hockey Club - where of course they played last weekend. Push-back is 1.30pm.

The full article can be viewed in today’s Hastings Observer.