Hassocks and Hill can both be proud
Hassocks missed out on a spot in the RUR Cup final – but can look back on the season with satisfaction.
The Robins lost 2-0 at home to Littlehampton in the RUR semi-final im midweek as the Golds, new SCFL premier champions, reached a remarkable third final of the season.
It was no disgrace for the Robins, who have also had a fine second half of the league season.
Their final SCFL premier fixture was in keeping with their improved form since the midway point as they won 1-0 at Alfold to secure 16th spot.
The target for the Robins had been to preserve their cherished status as the top flight’s longest serving club and they did that.
For much of the opening three months, that appeared under serious threat. But they lost just six matches in the second half of the season, winning six and drawing seven to finish nine points clear of the bottom two.
Lewis Westlake has created and scored a number of important goals and it was his sixth of the season that decided the tie at Alfold Recreation Ground, a trademark free kick curled around the wall on 22 minutes.
At Burgess Hill Town, it was farewell to Pat Harding after 464 appearances and 131 goals for the club.
His final appearance for the club was in a 2-1 win at Three Bridges, with Tom Chalaye and Max Miller scoring the goals that meant Jay Lovett’s team ended a comendable seventh place – much better than looked likely after their sluggish start to the season.
More on Pat Harding in next week’s paper.