L1 Visit East Grinstead On Saturday
By Colin Pike
Surbiton Ladies, who won the Premier Division last weekend, assuring themselves of at least the second European place in 2023-24, face a double header for the second weekend running as they visit East Grinstead on Saturday (12 noon) and host Hampstead & Westminster on Sunday (2 pm).
Surbiton were originally due to visit East Grinstead on 18 February, but East Grinstead were in Cambrai, France, where they won the EuroHockey Indoor Trophy to ensure that Repton will play in the top tier in 2024.
East Grinstead had a disappointing weekend last weekend, losing 3-2 at Hampstead & Westminster, Anna Faulstich giving the West Sussex club the lead in the 12th minute before Hampstead led 3-1, Faulstich scoring again in the 62nd minute.
Then on Sunday, Clifton Robinsons, who had lost 2-1 at home to Surbiton on Saturday, came back from 2-0 down to earn a point at Saint Hill in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.
East Grinstead started 2023 in excellent form, winning 7-1 at Beeston. They are currently fourth, three points behind Hampstead & Westminster with a game in hand, but Hampstead have a five better goal difference.
Surbiton faced East Grinstead in Week 2 of the season, winning 3-0 at Sugden Road thanks to goals from Sophie Hamilton, Hannah Martin and Darcy Bourne.
Over the years, Surbiton and East Grinstead have met on fifteen occasions in the league, with East Grinstead winning two games in succession, 6-1, which is Surbiton's biggest national league defeat in March 2020 at Saint Hill and 1-0 at Sugden Road in October 2020.
Hannah Cozens' winning goal was the last goal East Grinstead scored at Sugden Road.
Surbiton also inflicted East Grinstead's record national league defeat in February 2022 when Sophie Hamilton's brace, Darcy Bourne's hat-trick and a goal from Tasmin Cookman helped Surbiton to a 6-0 victory.
East Grinstead's first ever Premier Division match was also at Sugden Road in September 2015, when the teams drew 1-1.
Supporters unable to go to Saint Hill can watch the game via East Grinstead Hockey TV's live stream on You Tube here
The matchday preview for the game versus Hampstead & Westminster will be published on Saturday night. All games on Sunday will start at 2 pm as it's the last round of matches in Phase 2.