Hockey: East Grinstead Gladiators lift another trophy
Ashley Jackson, world young hockey plyer of the year, added another piece of silverware to his trophy cabinet with the player of the match award having bagged four of Grinstead's nine goals.
But the ever modest Jackson, 22, acknowledged the contributions of his team-mates in the victory which again illustrated the talented squad Grinsted have, and why they will be representing England in the European Indoor Club Championship in Vienna next month.
It would take a brave man to bet against them lifting more silverware.
Captain Scott Ashdown said the seceret of Grinstead's success is the strength they have in depth and "everyone pulling together" which has helped to establish them as the best indoor squad in the country.
Already national champions at the outdoor format of the game, Grinstead showed that strength in every department at the Trent FM Arena in Nottingham where victory has also secured them a place in Europe for 2011.
In the final, Grinstead as a team looked unbreakable and as individuals showed moments of brilliance, Jackson in particular illustrating his true worth as he prepares for the World Cup.
Unbeaten in the indoor league season, Grinstead took a 4-1 lead at half-time against Surbiton with goals from Jackson (2), Dave De Prez and Mark Pearn while keeper Richard Potton was on the spot to stop almost everything Surbiton threw at him.
He made a rare mistake after the break but then Ashdown, with two stunning strikes, Jackson, with two outstanding goals which were brutal in their execution, and Mike Holland put the game beyond the reach of Surbiton.
They did come back. but were never gooing to match Grinstead's gladiators.
See Thursday's East Grinstead Observer & Courier for full report, comment and analysis plus photographs
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