Hockey: Shave strikes in close call

TWO goals from Paul Barry and one from Warren Shave gave Anchorians a 3-2 victory away at Hendon to maintain their lead at the top of the Nastro Azzurro South Premier, writes Bill Colwill.

Anchorians are a point clear of Hampstead and Westminster, Gore Court and City of Portsmouth, who all registered wins. Stephen Garrard's second-half goal gave Gore Court, who have a game in hand, their 1-0 success at Winchester.

Hampstead went a goal down to a Matt Arnold special after five minutes at Wimbledon before Andy Thompson put them on terms before the interval. Goals in the second half from Dan Williams and the Australian Dave Bott then saw Hampstead safely home.

In the West Premier League, Taunton Vale's 2-1 win against Plymouth moved them back to the top. Olton and West Warwick's attacking hockey has taken them six points clear at the top of the Ernst and Young Midland Premier - their latest success was a 3-0 win at Lichfield.