W1 and M1 Away at Reading Oct 28th

On Saturday October 28th, East Grinstead's Women and Men travelled to Reading for two crucial games.  Click through for more... 

Saturday October 28th was notable for weather that became progressively worse as the day went on.  EG Women faced off against a Reading side riding high in second place in the England Hockey Premier League while the Men were to face off against a Reading Mens side that was sitting second from bottom - not reflective of the quality in the Reading squad.

EG Women were up first in a match that swung between the two teams in terms of dominance.  EG opened the scoring in the 3rd minute which a classic and determined Tess Howard goal, but Reading equalised in the 9th minute.  In fact Reading then took the lead four minutes later.  Still in the first Quarter, EG managed to equalise with another Tess Howard goal in the 16th minute.

That four goal opening quarter was followed by a goal-less second quarter in which the quality of hockey was evident.  Heading into the 3rd quarter, Reading took the lead again in the 39th minute.  EG rapidly equalled through a well taken goal by Liv Breed in the 44th minute.

Both sides searched for the winner but it was East Grinstead's Biba Mills who secured the winner on the 48th minute.  Lily Walker took a long corner along the 25 yard line, and threaded a pass into the circle that Biba was able to deflect over the 'keeper's foot.  Biba's first EG goal and her first Premier League match-winner !

EG's Men put in an excellent performance with a stunning goal by James Smith followed by a goal by Sam Knight.  The problem was the weather.  As the game progressed the pitch showed signs in the third quarter that all was not well and at the break between 3rd and 4th quarter, the officials decided to halt the game.

Both sides and officials have submitted reports to England Hockey and it has been ruled that the match will need to be re-played in its entirety at East Grinstead.  The official Slip Date is November 12th and both sides are coordinating to confirm the details.