Men's 1st XI vs Sunbury & Walton Hawks 1st XI

From match day reporter and skipper Henry Williams....

Perfect hockey conditions for Reigate Priory 1s first game on the new Reigate Grammar astroturf pitch at Hartswood. The club is fortunate to have such a fantastic hockey facility, and with the Men’s 3rd XI were playing on the other pitch there was a real buzz around the two pitches.

Both teams came into the game with 100% records, with Reigate keen to show just how far they have progressed this season under new coach, and birthday boy, Simon Owen.

Reigate started the brighter of the two sides, with the forward three of James Chesterton, Tom Pickersgill and man of the match, David Short creating a nuisance of themselves and making it hard for Sunbury to find any form of rhythm.

Reigate then turned this dominance into an early lead when Pickersgill fired home with the first goal in familiar fashion. This was followed by a well taken goal from Short, who timed his run into the box to perfection and slotted coolly past the Sunbury keeper. Andrew Porter then should have netted, only to be denied by a Reigate deflection; however he would not be denied for long when he powered a shot past the keeper into the far corner to pop up with a rare goal. This was followed by the usual wild celebrations from the wily midfielder.

Sunbury then started to play themselves into the game, and started to counter with more effect and it took some stern defending from Ollie Harvey and Arran Wood to keep them out. Reigate were then unlucky to concede 5 minutes before the break, capitalising on a momentary lapse of defensive concentration to deflect well into the Reigate goal. 3-1 at half time meant there was still work to be done.

Second half injuries to Jonathan Perkins and Jamie Vidler meant that Reigate’s fitness would be tested in the extreme. A ball to the knee saw Nick Chadwick down, but he soldiered and did well to continue the game.
Reigate extended their lead through Chesterton; which Sunbury then followed with a well worked short corner routine. Short then capped his man of the match display with a second goal to ensure that 3 points were safe for RPHC, to keep them top with 4 wins from 4.

This weekend the side travels to Camberley and Farnborough, who currently sit third in the league. The game promises to be another tough test for the side, but one that the team are relishing.