Conceding two early goals proved just too much for Brighton and Hove to recover from as they were beaten 2-1 by Henley at Blatchington Mill in the South Clubs Women's League on Saturday.

"On Saturday we faced up to Henley’s first team, who were only one point above us," reports captain Bara Kavanova. "We were really up for this game; however right at the beginning we were stunned by the opposition's high press and even though we manage not to panic our legs were not running enough to keep up with Henley's attacks in the first 15 minutes, which is when we conceded one from open play and another one from a repeated short corner.

"After that we lifted up and were in possession most of the half and after a quick exchange around the back Mini Cat passed to Jenna Duffield, who scored an absolute stunner first touch on her reverse stick right into the net. Henley kept breaking the game down with people who were hurt or had cramps which didn’t suit us at all.

"Towards the end our opposition played half court and it was more difficult for us to attack. It was a game we should have won but you can’t win if you don’t score. That seems to be one of our main issues, which we are going to be working on for the next couple of weeks."

The unbeaten 2s kept up with the Sussex League premier division leaders with an impressive 3-0 win over Horsham 3s.

“We’re starting to get used to playing in wet and windy conditions, but this Saturday’s game was like a power shower from start to finish,” reports captain Nivene Raafat. “Despite the inclement weather and a few minor mishaps before we even got going (late umpires, radios malfunctioning and the match ball going missing right before pushback), we were determined to deliver a strong performance against a very tough opposition.

“Horsham wasted little time in showing us why they are so high up the table, moving the ball beautifully, getting the better of us in midfield and going dangerously close to goal. We conceded a handful of short corners within the first 15 minutes, but fortunately Amanda and Wendy were quick enough to close the attackers down before they could get a shot away.

“We initially spent most of our time defending, with Hannah P and birthday girl Laura E making vital tackles down the left-hand side, but gradually hit our stride thanks to a deft run by Shelley, who was denied only by a solid tackle in the D. Towards the end of the first half, Ange played a clever ball to Irish who slapped it in from close range. But despite being one-nil up, we still felt we had plenty to do.

“Our half-time chat was brief and lacking only in shampoo (a few of us had seen the weather forecast and decided not to bother washing our hair!) The floodgates opened in the second half and we suddenly found ourselves with the space to play our hockey.

“Ted made some sensational runs into the D, forcing a rebound that player of the match Shelley pounced on, putting us two to the good. Wendy, Diva and Hannah P transferred beautifully across the back, with Mary-Beth making some sublime passes forwards to Redders and Kelly.

“We managed to get a third with Shelley cleverly distracting the keeper by the far post: as the keeper dispossessed Shelley (completely taking her out in the process) Kelly Sharp slotted home to make it three.

“Goalkeeper Jess was called on in the dying moments to keep the menacing Horsham attack at bay and help us finish with a clean sheet and three more points. We left the pitch delighted with a well-deserved win (even if we were too soggy for a team hug at the end)!”

The 2s are level on points at the top with Lewes 2s, who were 3-1 winners over Brighton 3s.

Poppy Wootton maintains the team’s poetic theme in summarising the 4s emphatic 5-0 win over Horsham 4s in division one, a result which keeps them on the heels of the leaders.

“Remember, remember the ninth of November.
Horsham, mid season (it wasn’t hot).
We saw no reason.
Why Horsham mid season
Should ever be forgot.

“Cressie and Laura t’was their intent
To score big... and they didn’t relent.
Two goals each were laid below.
To prove old Horsham’s overthrow.

“Marianna too, a goal she did get.
So five goals in total were scored in the net.
Man of the match was Donna D Martin.
(She showed great skill with her ball pass’ing).
Dick of the day was Poppy.
(Her headband retrieval was sloppy).”

Kate McDonald was happy with the 5s drawing 2-2 in a nailbiting match against Lewes 3s, “a result that we won’t turn our noses up at!”

She reports: “A cold and misty morning greeted us at Lewes and we were all in tip top shape, warmed up, focussed and ready to bring the battle to them.... that is save for a fair few injuries and the odd sore head...!

“A strong start saw us 1-0 up in the first half and more than holding our own. A few lucky breaks brought Lewes back into the game and from there the tension mounted.... A timely whistle for a short corner against us saved us a goal from them, and then some great short corner action from us finished the game at 2-2! And we'll take that!

“Well done team, onwards and upwards we look to next week!”

The 6s remain three points clear at the top of division two after Eastbourne 4s cancelled, conceding the match 5-0.

The 7s are also challenging for top spot in division three after seeing off rivals Southwick 2s 3-1, with two goals from Karen Edwards.

“After a cancelled game last week, we were keen to get out on to the pitch and play our best hockey!” reports captain Emily Jewell.

“Despite some initially confusing correspondence with the Southwick captain, we made it to Steyning Grammar school raring to go! We made a strong start to the game, with some great leading runs, confident attacking from all players, and two goals (from Di and Karen) respectively. However, Southwick also made a strong start, scoring a goal in the first half.

“Thanks to a motivating, and insightful half time chat from Amy - who had come to support - and GK Mon, we came out in the second half even stronger! Some slight tweaks to the defence and some brilliant marking saw us bag another goal! Again thanks to Karen Edwards.

“The game rounded out with a swiftly cleared short corner, barring Southwick from achieving another goal.

“The umpires weren’t brilliant; one telling us before the game to “be nice” because he was “old, slow, and can’t see great”. The rain showed up for us, and the Southwick captain had a colourful vocabulary.

“But the 7s came out on top! Back to our winning ways! Player of the match went to a new addition from the 8s, Abbie, for outstanding defence. Karen Edwards got “donut of the day” in humour for only managing two goals, rather than a hat trick!”

The 8s celebrated victory for the first time, beating Burgess Hill 5s 5-0, and continuing to find their feet in the Sussex League.

Nancy Pickford reports: “The women’s 8s game against Burgess Hill 5s this Saturday was yet another wet and windy affair. We donned our base layers again, peeled off our waterproofs and battled the elements with determined faces.

“We were up against a team that gave us plenty of challenge, but once again, they were not prepared for our gutsy play. What we may have lacked in skill we made up for in speed, bravery and sheer resilience.

“Continuing with our focus on strong passes, dynamic defence and calm, we scored three goals in quick succession, with the second half adding a further two goals to the kitty. Goalscorers were Kate and Julie, with great support from the midfield, who even this early on in the season were playing like a coherent team. Wet and wild, just like the weather, we won 5-0!”