Haslemere Hockey Club’s men’s fifth team won the league title in dramatic fashion on Saturday.

Four teams were in the running for the title on the final day. Haslemere were top by two points and playing away against second-placed Lavant. Victory against Lavant would win the league for Haslemere, but defeat could have left Haslemere in fourth place. Nerves were jangling as they travelled to Chichester College for the game.

Haslemere were the fitter team and were more skilful. Milo Lawson hit the post in the first five minutes, but Lavant had a solid defensive line and were a threat on the break. Haslemere had several short corners in the first half but failed to convert them. Lavant had a couple of good opportunities and nearly scored a breakaway goal.

The score was 0-0 at half-time. Haslemere moved Lawson into the attacking centre-midfield position and the impact was immediate. Lawson linked well with Will Kennedy on the right and Stu Kennedy and Elliott Hart up front, and Haslemere started to pile on the pressure.

The first goal came from a superb strike from Stu Kennedy from the top of the D. The goal settled the team down and the floodgates opened, with Andrew Dodson scoring the second within five minutes. Haslemere then scored a third from a short corner. Dodson scored the fourth from a short corner to seal the win.

Hart caused many problems for the opposition in the D and had a shot saved on the line, while Charlie Jones, Harry Duggin and Will Kennedy flew up and down the left and right sides of the pitch. Charlie Paye, Jack Bailey and Quinn Dodson defended solidly. Keeper Jacob Williamson kept out several shots to keep a clean sheet, while Hexy Dodson was the base point for several attacks.