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Page last updated at 17:30 GMT, Sunday, 29 March 2009 18:30 UK

East Grinstead take league title

East Grinstead Crest

East Grinstead Hockey Club have won the Premier League for the first time since its inception in 1989.

A 5-3 win at Surbiton saw them hold off rivals Beeston on the final day of the season and become the first male team to win the indoor and outdoor double.

Team manager Matt Jones told BBC Sussex: "Player coach Mark Pearn has done exceptionally well with the side which had a lot of potential.

"He's ingrained a professional attitude and culture, year by year, now this."

Pearn himself added: "This was a distant dream when I joined.

"Slowly, but surely we've built a fantastic squad that got close last year, but who really have performed this year."

The win at Surbiton on Sunday came courtesy of two goals each from Martin Haener and Dominic Male and one from former Guildford and England man Danny Hall.

"Its an unbelievable feeling," said Male. "Its been a long season, and I'm just pleased its over.

"I have never not played for this club, my father played for this club, so for me and for the boys, its huge".

Boss Jones also paid tribute to Grinstead's large contingent of travelling fans.

"Its one hell of a family, isn't it?" said Jones.

"It was a huge turn-out today, but they've done that all season.

"Indoor and outdoor, they've been with us the whole way. Absolutely stunning, they deserve it just as much as everybody else."



see also
East Grinstead ready for Europe
30 Oct 08 |  Other sport...


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