A Stu Cunnington hat-trick inspired Spalding 1st to a thrilling 5-4 win over St Albans 2nd in East Men’s Hockey League Premier B on Saturday.
In what was the first of a two-game weekend for Spalding’s top team, they edged past mid-table rivals St Albans in a nine-goal classic at Glen Park.
Ace goal-getter Cunnington led the way with three of the five goals, while William Baker chipped in with a double to help secure an amazing victory.
Some 24 hours later, Spalding 1st were handed a 4-1 reverse at Cambridge University 2nd.
Despite making a long trip on Sunday, Spalding started superbly and went 1-0 ahead from a Cunnington drag flick.
The hosts levelled before the break and then moved into the lead early in the second period.
From that moment onwards Spalding struggled to get a hold of the game and eventually conceded twice more to go down 4-1.
In Division 2N, it’s now nine defeats from as many games for rock-bottom Long Sutton 1st as they went down 2-1 at City Of Peterborough 3rd.
Despite having a squad of just 11 (one player from each side was forced to umpire) Sutton performed well and were always in the game, Josh Baker netting their goal.
In Division 3NW, Long Sutton 2nd were handed a 7-1 beating at City Of Peterborough 4th.
Luke Jackson netted their consolation strike.
Spalding 2nd fared better in the same division, drawing 3-3 at Leadenham 1st.
Steve Rogers, Ethan Pearson and Tom Amess were the scorers at RAF Cranwell.
Down in Division 4NW, Spalding 3rd were on the wrong end of the result in a seven-goal thriller as they lost 4-3 against Louth 1st at Glen Park.
Meanwhile, Spalding 4th were also beaten 4-3 in their game at City Of Peterborough 6th.
Matthew Hicks (2) and Jack Martin found the net, but it was in a losing cause.
In Division 6NW (N), youthful Spalding 5th suffered a 1-0 reverse at the hands of leaders Leadenham 2nd at Glen Park.
The Spalding team featured six 13-year-olds against a team that had 12 senior players, meaning there were plenty of positives despite the defeat.
In the same division, Long Sutton 3rd slipped up 3-2 at Alford 2nd despite goals from Josh Woodrow and Charlie Riddington.
