The Women’s 1s sealed the League championship with a 2-1 home victory over Brighton & Hove Women’s 3s on Saturday 29th March 2025, meaning both of the club’s top teams have won promotion and secured silverware this season.

In a tense and tightly contested match at Bexhill Academy, South Saxons Women’s 1s overcame the absence of Captain Caitlin Merison, with Vice Captain Kat Jenner stepping up to lead the team. Brighton & Hove struck first, but Saxons responded with characteristic determination. Jemima Beal netted the equaliser before Abi Merison scored what would prove to be the winner, delivering a composed finish from a well-worked
penalty corner routine.

The victory, coupled with title contenders East Grinstead Women’s 3s losing 3-2 to Mid Sussex and Lewes Women’s 2s drawing 0-0 against Middleton, confirmed South Saxons as league champions with one game still to play.

They now sit six points clear at the top of the table, uncatchable with 46 points from 14 wins, 4 draws, and just 3 defeats.

It’s been a remarkable season for the team, marked by attacking flair and defensive resilience. The squad has racked up 51 goals so far, with standout contributions from Deaves, Acott, Dunstan, Beal, Thorly, and Jacobs. Dunstan has led the line impressively, topping the goal charts with nine goals.

Defensively, goalkeeper Lynn Upfold has been formidable between the posts, conceding just 19 goals in 21 games, supported by a solid defence of captain Merison and Weddle.

With promotion to South East Women’s Division 1 East confirmed, the Women’s 1s will join the Men’s 1s—who won the South East Men’s Division 1 Martlets title last weekend—in returning to a higher tier of competition next season.

The double triumph marks a historic moment for South Saxons Hockey Club, underlining the success of their player development and club growth over recent years.

Alongside these senior achievements, the club continues to expand, adding another men’s team and launching a new U12 junior team this season. They also announced new club sponsors this season with the FILO in Hastings, Rustico, Carr-Taylor Vineyards, HEA Hockey and Battle Abbey School all being key sponsors of the club.

South Saxons Hockey Club is always welcoming new players of all ages and abilities. For anyone in the Hastings, Rother, Battle and Bexhill area interested in picking up a stick, training takes place on Tuesday nights at Horntye Park Sports Complex from 6.30pm. More information on summer sessions coming soon at www.southsaxonshc.co.uk.