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Slow start, but Chichester perk up in cup
Chichester's weekend got off to a mediocre start on the hockey pitch - but they made up for it 24 hours later.
Chichester 3 Dulwich 3
South premier division one
In driving rain at Kingsham Chichester began their league season with a draw against newly-promoted Dulwich.
From the outset Dulwich set out to stifle the attacking intent of Chichester and as the heavens opened, so sank the quality of Chichester's hockey.
Chichester battled well in the first half against a side who seemed to have little attacking intent.
They were two up at half-time thanks to the flicks of Will Blockley and the predatory instincts of captain Paul Wallis.
In the second period Chichester played unstructured and, at times, aimless hockey.
Without having to work too hard, Dulwich were gifted two goals.
With six minutes left, Blockley scored his second, but with seconds remaining Dulwich scored a third.
Chichester simply didn't play enough quality hockey to secure the victory – a lesson was learnt.
Chichester 5 Devizes 1
HA Cup second round
Chichester had the ideal chance to redeem themselves in the cup – and took it with both hands.
Coach Ben Barnes had stressed the importance of enjoying their hockey and Chichester did that.
Chichester attacked with pace and purpose, helped by a Devizes side who tried to win the match rather than defend. An excellent opening goal from the ebullient Adam Beere set the tone and two goals followed from Blockley.
A 3-0 half-time score was not squandered, even when Devizes scored shortly after the break.
Andrew Sparshot was at his best in attack and set up a third for Blockley, and the scoring was completed by Sam Beere bursting into the circle after fine build-up play.
It left Chichester in high spirits, but also pondering: Why couldn't we do that yesterday?
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Lewes 2 Chichester Centurions 4
Centurions found the target in their second league game.
After a disappointing 0-0 draw with Horsham, they bounced back and beat newly-promoted Lewes.
Centurions enjoyed most of the early pressure. Nicki Williams came closest when her shot beat the keeper but the bar denied her.
Lewes capitalised on a short corner against the run of play.
Rachel Pain, making her debut in goal, made a good save but Centurions failed to clear the danger and a striker pounced.
The reply from Centurions came almost immediately, with the ball carried through midfield to Louise Thew, who slotted home.
Centurions' second came minutes later. Emily Nelmes released the ball quickly on the left to find Nicki Williams. Her shot was half-saved and Thew tapped in the loose ball to give Centurions the lead.
With Annie Richardson, Hilary Smith and Lisa Proctor doing well in midfield, Centurions had chances to extend their lead.
After the break, they found the net again with a crisp strike from Thew into the bottom corner.
Centurions relaxed and the defence dealt with the attacking moves Lewes created.
A move between Louise Harris and Richardson released Dawn Brooker, who crossed to Thew. She chipped the ball in over the keeper.
Lewes were rewarded with a second, but Centurions are happy with their best start to a league season for many years. This Saturday, they face Eastbourne at Bishop Otter, with a midday start.
East Grinstead 4 Chichester Cannons 3
Chichester Cannons deserved to get something out of this game, but a goal in the final few minutes sealed the points for East Grinstead, who were dominated by one player who looked capable of playing at a much higher level.
Despite lots of Chichester possession, East Grinstead opened the scoring against the run of play, but quick goals from Jess Thew after good work from Mel Howarth and a cracking strike from Jo Thompson put Chichester in the lead.
East Grinstead levelled with another breakaway goal, but a pass by Sally Thew and a shot from Freya Davies put Chichester in front. But they could not keep Grinstead at bay and two late goals stole the points for them.
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Weather for Chichester
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North west
