Winchester 1st XI - 4, Tunbridge Wells 1st XI - 2

Winchester climbed out of the relegation zone by the narrowest of margins after defeating fellow strugglers Tunbridge Wells.

The survival scrap, in which both teams are deeply involved, gave the clash huge significance and it was the visitors who started the brightest. Yet Winchester's attacking force soon showed a spark with Ben Hibberd putting narrowly over the bar. Shortly afterwards, Craig Jeffrey, returning from an early season injury, received a pass from Kent Langridge and powered into the "D", slotting past the keeper on fifteen minutes. This settled Winchester, and their first penalty corner nearly extended their lead as the loose ball spun agonisingly on the line before being cleared.

Tunbridge Wells still had plenty of enterprise with Harry Trussler diverting a strike round the post from a penalty corner. But, in the dying minutes of the first half, they broke through a couple of missed midfield tackles, found a way round the back of defence and sent a bouncing ball back to the penalty spot where it was converted by an unstoppable reverse strike to level matters.

An action-packed second half ensued, begun by a stunning solo goal from Kent Langridge, turning his man brilliantly in the "D" and sliding the ball past the advancing keeper. From here onwards, keeper/coach George Harris came into his own, with two outstanding penalty corner saves and another when he was abandoned by his otherwise loyal defence to face a short range one-to-one which he smothered.

Tunbridge Wells kept the pressure on for another equaliser and Winchester were starting to look a little shaky defensively although sweeper James Pawley kept up his outstanding season's form. The visitor's equalising goal, when it came, was no surprise, a penalty corner powered past Winchester's defensive wall. The game seemed destined to end in a draw, no use to either team, until Harry Trussler stepped into the limelight to unleash a powerful penalty corner drag-flick into the top right of the Tunbridge Wells goal.  There was enough time remaining to put the result beyond as Trussler was on hand again at a penalty corner after a neat interchange.  

The bottom of the league sees three teams on ten points with a goal difference of -28,-29,-30 respectively, Winchester have a -28 goal deficit that will be tested further by the visits of high scorers Guildford and Indian Gymkhana in the next three weeks.

Reporter Jon Player