Hockey : Capper ends Norton's run

Phil Capper, with two first-half goals increasing his season's tally to 15, brought to an end Norton's 100 per cent record at the top of the First Division of the North Premier as Formby beat them 2-0 in a rearranged game on Sunday, writes Bill Colwill.

Formby, the draw specialists and now the only remaining unbeaten side in the league, are still eight points behind Norton and have played a game more.

They were held to a 1-1 draw on Saturday against Ben Rhydding, whose goalkeeper, Warwick Smithers, had an outstanding game. Norton had earlier comfortably beaten Harrogate 4-0.

In the women's North Premier, Poynton beat their nesarest rivals, Blackburn, 3-2, to open a six-point lead.

There was also defeat for the Nastro Azzurro South Premier leaders, Anchorians, who went down 3-1 to visiting Fareham with goals from Scott Shirley, Alan Hendra and the veteran Colin Bradbury. Andy Simmons scored Anchorians' consolation.

The Kent side, however, still lead Hampstead and Westminster - who thrashed Wokingham 7-1 - by one point. Hampstead are now eight points ahead of High Wycombe, who moved into third place following their 5-0 win against Ashford.