Men's 1s 5 - 0 Wimbledon 1s (H)
By Surbiton HC
The Surbiton Men’s 1s sent a signal of intent to their Premier Division rivals with a dominant 5-0 win over Wimbledon in the opening Phase 2 fixture of 2026.
Following a long winter break away from Premier Division action, the M1 squad have only been back in training together for a week with a number of the players away on international duty, but it didn’t take long for them to continue in the same vein as before Christmas. Nick Bandurak opened his account for 2026 in the 19th minute with a deft mid-circle deflection following a ball in from Barry Middleton, to maintain his impressive goal-a-game record for the season.
A second Seals goal followed just before half time, with Stu Rushmere’s corner delivery turned home on the right post by Jake Payton to take the M1 into half time with a two goal advantage over their local rivals.
Payton scored again midway through the third quarter, sneaking the ball home at the near post after a skilful baseline carry down the right. Six minutes later, Tommy Austin scored perhaps the pick of the afternoon’s goals, showcasing some slick skills on the way to the top of the circle where he dispatched a backhand into the bottom corner.
Player of the Match Payton completed his hat trick in the 60th minute, cleverly finding space to flick home from open play and put the game well beyond doubt, while Surbiton goalkeeper Calum Douglas thrilled the crowd with a fantastic save low to his stick side from a Wimbledon penalty stroke late in the game to secure a pleasing clean sheet.
A 5-0 victory helps the M1 retain their eight point lead at the top of the table with a big double header weekend coming up, travelling to Hampstead & Westminster on Saturday followed by a home game against Oxted on Sunday. More points on the board would put the Seals in a great position both to top the table and qualify for next season’s EHL as well maintain critical momentum going into the business end of the season.