South Saxons Men’s 1s are celebrating a well-earned return to form after they were crowned champions of the South East Men’s Division 1 Martlets League on Saturday, 22nd March 2025, following a dramatic 3-1 away win against East Grinstead Men’s 3s.

Played at East Grinstead Sports Club, the match was a high-stakes, top-of-the-table encounter. Going into the fixture, South Saxons led the league with 49 points, with East Grinstead trailing on 42. A win for the Hastings-based side would move them to 52 points — out of reach for any challengers with two matches remaining — and that’s exactly what they achieved in style.

The game was as fierce as expected. William Orr opened the scoring for the Saxons after 20 minutes, only for East Grinstead to quickly level five minutes later. The second half brought even more intensity — and a flurry of cards. A total of eight cards were handed out, including five yellow cards, with both Team Captains spending ten minutes apiece in the sin-bin.

Despite the disruptions, Saxons held their nerve. Orr bagged his second late in the game, followed closely by a decisive goal from Alfie Weddle, sending the away fans into celebration and confirming the title for the visitors.

This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the Men’s 1s, who were relegated last season. Under the leadership of new captain Brock Prestney-Vaughan, the team has transformed into a powerhouse in Sussex hockey, losing just once all season. With 17 wins, 2 draws and 1 loss, they've also racked up an impressive 84 goals, showcasing depth and attacking prowess across the squad.

Key contributors include leading goal-scorer Andrew Acott, as well as regular names on the scoresheet like Josh Barraclough, Ed Hooton, Gui Green, Alex Coombs and Andrew Orr.

Their promotion to South East Men’s Division 1 East next season adds to a growing list of recent successes for South Saxons Hockey Club. Just last year, three teams secured promotion: the Men’s 3s (captained by Ed Stroud), the Ladies 2s (led by Amy Stevens), and league winners Men’s 4s (under Paul Rye).

And the accolades may not end there. The Ladies 1s, captained by Caitlin Merison, currently sit three points clear at the top of South East Women’s Division 1 Martlets with two games to play — keeping hopes of more silverware alive for the Hastings-based club.

This triumph also comes during a year of expansion and growth for South Saxons. The club announced several new sponsors this season, including The Filo (First In Last Out pub), Carr-Taylor Vineyards, Rustico, Parkers Building Supplies, and junior sponsors Battle Abbey School and HEA Hockey.

On the pitch, the club launched two new teams this season — the Men’s 5s, captained by Tim Laughton, who debuted in South East Men’s Division 4 Martlets, and The Flights, a junior team competing in U10 and U12 tournaments across the region.

With the season now approaching its end, South Saxons Hockey Club continues to look toward the future — and welcomes new players of all ages and abilities. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, adult and junior training sessions run on Tuesday nights at Horntye Park Sports Complex. All are encouraged to come along, pick up a stick, and be part of one of Sussex’s fastest-growing hockey clubs.