A hat-trick from Tom Everton and a double from Stuart Cunnington sent Spalding 1st to the top of East Men’s Hockey League’s Premier B division on Saturday – and made it two wins from two.
Spalding’s top team thrashed Felixstowe 6-1 at Surfleet’s Glen Park, thanks largely to fantastic first half doubles from Everton and Cunnington which put them in command at 4-0, but the visitors got a goal back early in the second period as Spalding took their feet off the gas.
There was to be no fightback, though, with Everton completing his treble with a tap in and young gun Joe Rogers rounding off a fine show with a fine strike into the top corner.
Spalding are the only side to have won their opening two matches in the league.
Also smashing six were Long Sutton, who bagged their first Division One win by beating hosts Blueharts 2nd 6-4. Ben Shore put Sutton ahead with the first of a hat-trick, but it was 2-2 at half time as they were twice pegged back after Dan Batten had made it 2-1.
Two more Shore strikes exteded the away lead to 4-2, before the hosts hit back. The goals kept on coming as Jamie Featherstone restored Sutton’s two-goal cushion, only for Blueharts to bag again to set up a grandstand finish.
Josh Fyson ensured the points went back to Sutton, though, netting the clincher late on.
In Division 3NW, Spalding 2nd remain pointless after a 3-2 loss at Leadenham 1st. Peter Wright and Ryan Mountney netted their goals.
The only side below them in the table are Long Sutton 2nd, who went down 4-1 at home to St Ives 1st. Josh Baker’s excellent reverse stick strike was the only consolation.
In the same division, a dramatic early goal from Steve Rogers was enough to give Spalding 3rd a 1-0 win over Cambs City Vets.
An accurate 50-yard pass from Ed Sly found Michael Morris unmarked at the top of the Cambridge circle and a sliding Rogers was able to turn his pass into the net for a stunning opener.
Solid defending then shut the game down, with the experience of Dave Burrell proving key.
- Spalding Poachers 1st are emulating the success of the men’s team as they also made it two wins from two on Saturday.
A 6-2 success at Cambs City ladies’ 3rd also sees them sit proudly at the top of the Division 2NW table in East Women’s Hockey League.
Chasing them in the same division are Long Sutton ladies’ 1st, who were 3-0 winners over Newmarket at the Peele Leisure Centre.
Leanne Woodhead helped herself to a double in this one, with Connie Gittins, with her first goal for the top team, the other scorer.
In Division 3NW, a 4-1 win over Cambs City 4th gave Spalding Poachers 3rd their first win of the campaign.
Emma Gent (2), Sam Foston and Ellie Holland bagged the all-important goals.
Down in Division 4NW (N), Spalding Poachers 3rd remain unbeaten after a 4-0 triumph at Alford ladies’ 2nd.
Codie O’Leary opened the scoring with a powerful sweep, before Rachel Adams doubled the advantage.
Grace Hodgett then added number three, with Lauren Spenceley adding a fourth for the impressive young guns.
In the same division, Long Sutton ladies’ 2nd lost 7-1 at Skegness ladies’ 1st.
