Hockey: Loughtonians recover to claim shoot-out victory

The weekend's promotion/relegation play-offs at Beeston HC ended in joy for Old Loughtonians - winners of Women's Division One - and for league newcomers Holcombe who confirmed their promotion.

The weekend's promotion/relegation play-offs at Beeston HC ended in joy for Old Loughtonians - winners of Women's Division One - and for league newcomers Holcombe who confirmed their promotion.

Loughtonians, who lost their opening game against Harleston Magpies 2-0 on Saturday, won 3-1 yesterday and after a goalless extra time won the deciding stroke shoot-out 3-2. Holcombe yesterday drew 2-2 but that was enough after Saturday's 3-1 win inspired by a hat-trick from their player coach Greg Nicol.

The match of the weekend was without doubt Canterbury's battle with Bath Buccaneers which ended with an aggregate 4-4 scoreline requiring a penalty stroke shoot-out before Canterbury retained their Premier League position.

Canterbury looked out when Andy Richardson put their second stroke wide but two good low stick saves by Tom Sheridan saved them.

Doncaster meanwhile crushed Loughborough Students 6-2 after winning the first game with a disputed penalty stroke.