A late goal denied Brighton and Hove victory at Bath Buccaneers on Saturday as they ended a losing run in the Men’s Hockey League Division One South on Saturday.

Brighton were disappointed not to take all three points after a dominant first half display in which they took a two- goal lead.

With new Spanish striker Marc Font Clermont making a signifacant difference, Brighton went in front with a Mike Burney penalty corner and a well worked goal by Sam Rose.

But they sat back on their lead in the second half and Bath caught them with two penalty corner goals from Harry Skinner, the second coming three minutes from time.

Brighton also failed to capitalise on some ill disciplined tackling from the home side, which saw them reduced to nine players late on.

Teddington are the new leaders after beating Canterbury 1-0 while improving Sevenoaks moved second after a 4-0 victory over Havant. Southgate are third after beating Fareham while Oxford Hawks and Oxted drew 2-2.

Brighton’s next fixture is at home to Oxted on Sunday November 10.

Andrew Bromley’s summation of the 2s 6-1 defeat at Holcombe 2 in the Kent/Sussex regional league was succinct.

“Holcombe attacked very well, we picked up a lot of soft injuries, we missed most of the rugby, Tim Upchurch scored another belter of a PC (winning him MOM), Aneel gave away a stroke, good teas and Sebi saved a dragflick off the line but somehow got DOD.

“Overall: First half, 3 out of 10. Second, 7 out of 10.”

The 3s moved to the top of Sussex League division one with a 4-1 victory over the 4s.

The prolific Richard Willmott scored twice for the 3s, who also had Ed Bending and Phil Orriss on target while Jon Easingwood replied for the 4s.

There is no stopping the Rocks (5s) this season as they notched up their fifth successive win and another glut of goals in division two. They beat Mid Sussex 2s 9-0 with the goals shared around the team.

“DoD was Doc, for missing an open goal from three yards, a medium rare mistake from the guru of goals,” reports skipper Carlo Missirian.

“Kenny a close second with a penalty flick that was saved. In the running was the Mid Sussex captain who would not change the fixture time so that we could watch the greatest English rugby performance of all time!

“After a poor start last week The Armenian was keen to ensure that this was not replicated against a stronger side. By half time and 6-0 up it was clear that the team had adhered to he game plan!

“9-0 by the end and most pleasing, Doc with two but eight other scorers all with a goal apiece. However it could and should have been 10!

“With the game only in the first five minutes a stupendous move with Paul Harvey ghosting into the D from sweeper position... just as he entered the D he creamed an absolute belter into the top corner. This was Paul’s first goal for many years and the celebrations were right up there until Jason Bryant blew the whistle and gave a 16 saying it hadn’t gone into the D.

Paul was heart broken as these moments happen once a decade! Apparently the umpire is always right so Paul will have to wait until 2029 for his next goal!

A comprehensive win and some brilliant team play, most goals were open play.”

The 6s played out a hard fought 1-1 draw away to Mid Sussex 3s in division three.

“Brighton had the upper hand in the first half and took the lead through Rev Taites fine back post finish, but conceded a short corner goal from Mid Sussex’s only real clear opportunity of the half to leave the score 1-1 at HT,” reports Myles Ford.

“The change of ends also changed the nature of the game. Despite both teams hitting the post, Middies were able to dominate territory but with Rob Chilvers making a brilliant double clearance on the line on his knees, a resolute Brighton defence held out for the draw.”

There was a turn up for the books in division four when the 8s beat the 7s 2-1 and moved above them in the table.

Victorious 8s skipper Matt Sale reports: “Inter club league games are often tight and fractious affairs and this lived up to that. There were few chances in the first half but goals from Dreadful and Subra on debut saw the 8s two goals to the good.

“A PF just before half time was missed by the 7s which could have given them a big lift into half time. During the second half the heavens opened which didn't help the tempers or the skill levels on display.

“The 8s were under sustained pressure for the last 10 minutes with Atul scoring and giving the 7s some hope with four minutes left. The 8s however managed to hold on. A big thanks to Simon in goal for the 8s on his debut for the club; he coped admirably given it was his first game in 30 years and having never played on astro turf before!”