li Browne's four goals for the men's 6s and a brilliant fightback by the 5s were the highlights from a weekend when the 1s were not in action because of the National League's mid-season break.

Browne produced the individual performance of the day by scoring all four goals for the 6s in their Sussex League division three victory over Chichester 5s.

"Browne hits Chi for 4 - that's pretty much the only headline you need to know," reports Kevin Mould. "The 6s fielded a strong side in what was set to be a soggy affair. The rain showed no sign of subsiding but neither did our desire to play patient hockey.

"The jet lag for the travelling side meant they never really woke up and allowed us to play how we wanted. One-nil at half time and three more in the second half was maybe a little sympathetic towards Chichester but the game was about consolidating our style of play and enjoying it more than improving our goal difference.

"Everyone stepped up and delivered and it was a pleasure to have played alongside them all. Onwards and upwards as they say (oh, and a pitcher in the bank from quick-to-leave four-goal Ali Browne)."

Comeback of the day came from the 5s, who were twice two goals behind at South Saxon 3s but finished up winning 4-3 in division two.

"It was a usual rainy affair in Hastings," reports Lloyd Easterbrook Cotton. "The game started at 3pm under floodlights (the few that were working). We managed to put out 12 players with Alex de Souza returning after five years in the wilderness and travelling to Hastings and starting as sub! But he was on the pitch within five minutes as Jonno had done his hamstring.

"In a largely forgettable first half (although Deano showed his prowess stopping aerials) we went in 1-0 down.

Second half saw the 5s with new vitality as they pressed for an equaliser, however it was Saxons who went ahead with a flick following a stop on the line with feet. Within minutes we were back in it when Alex ‘I can’t hit the ball’ rattled the back board from top of the D. Once again we pressed for an equaliser having short corner after short corner. But it was a breakaway from Saxons which resulted in them restoring a two-goal cushion.

"Again we pressed and wasted another short corner with Sam and Kylie's ‘Castle Routine’ (to be fair Sam did get a decent strike but keeper saved it). For the next short Bunny stepped up and scored a drag flick.

"Still 3-2 down and time running out we win a long corner which worked its way to Sam who shot only for it to hit a defender's stick. But wait, who is that with the rebound? Phil the Poacher.

"Time is running out when we get a short with two minutes to go, same again from Bunny, but the keeper saved it. From the resulting long corner we looked to have wasted it when the ball went backwards but James smashed it into the D and Sam puts it away.

"The last 90 seconds were frantic but we held on for 4-3, we only led for 90 seconds but the most important 90 seconds.

"MOM: Alex de Souza a rousing return (pipped Pete in goal by 1 vote). DOD Alex de Souza for weird climbing shoes and one shinnys."

Despite a 1-1 draw at home to Old Williamsonians, the 2s slumped to the foot of the Kent/Sussex League, although only one point covers the bottom five clubs.

In Sussex League division one two Brighton teams are having their own mid-table battle, with the 4s overtaking the 3s after the weekend matches.

The 3s went down 2-1 to Worthing 2s after having a late equaliser ruled out.

"A grim day at Angmering School on a lovely wet surface but under poor lights," reports Andrew Bromley. "Brighton set the theme of the match early - lots of possession in the first three-quarters of the pitch.

"On one of the first occasions that Worthing forced their way in to our half, they managed to draw a short corner (although in fairness it should have been a stroke!). This (and all other) Worthing corners was a route one strike at goal, dealt with by the on-form Hehir.

"As the game went in to the second half, Worthing took the lead. They then stretched the game further with a superb individual goal by one of their youngsters, lobbing the onrushing GK.

"Andy Auld then stepped up to take the game by the scruff of the neck, dribbling past three or four Worthing defenders and coolly slotting home. In the last play of the game, Jago Hussain scored what we thought was the equalising goal. Unfortunately the only people not to see or hear the clear deflection (think Stuart Broad in the Ashes!) were the umpires.

"The final whistle went and despite the obvious disappointment of the last play, as usual Brighton have only themselves to blame for not scoring one of the many chances."

4s captain Carlo Missirian felt it was important his side returned to winning ways after a hugely disappointing display last week and they obliged with a 2-0 victory over Horsham 3s at Blatchington.

"Horsham 3s started the game two points above us in the league and the early exchanges were very tight indeed," reports Carlo. "The pitch was fast and wet which suited our passing game and Doc buried a well-worked short corner, although Kenny swears by his Zimbabwean stick that he got a touch!

"Throughout the game Pixie made some outstanding saves both in open play and from short corners and consistently kept us in the game. Some great moves saw us spurn many chances in both halves and we really needed another goal.

"Probably the most botched short corner routine of the season culminated with Sharma spanking the ball into the top right corner .. could not repeat that one again if we tried but the finish was exquisite. A great three points, well deserved from a great team performance.

"DoD: Kenny stopping the ball with his knee and rolling around like an Argentinian footballer! MoM: Psycho Pixie outstanding clean sheet."

The 8s' mood on a wet and miserable morning at Blatchington was lifted with an early goal against Worthing 6s, with some smart play from Theo and Laurie seeing them get behind the visitors defence and Duke found the net. But, according to Matt Sale, that was as good as it got for Brighton as they lost 5-1.

"After the early goal the experienced Worthing team took advantage of a couple of half chances and two shorts to lead 4-1 at half-time. Worthing added a fifth early in the second half. For all our good play we couldn't take our chances. A small consolation but in the bar afterwards Worthing admitted the scoreline was rather flattering."