Hawks swoop on top spot

Hockey

BILL COLWILL

Oxford Hawks moved one point clear at the top of the Nastro Azzurro South Premier League after their 4-1 win against Fareham during the weekend's programme. Thanks to a couple of goals from Tony Silman and one each from Chris Armitage and Simon Mott, Hawks were always in command, although Tim Tavender scored a consolation goal for Fareham.

Gore Court, who had led the way, were held to a goalless draw by newly promoted Beckenham. Second-placed Lewes could do no better than draw with last year's champions, High Wycombe, who have been going through a difficult patch, losing several key players when they did not win through to the National League in the play-offs.

Lewes were well in control after a 15th-minute goal from Colin Edwards until the Wycombe captain, Paul Brown, slammed home a 53rd-minute penalty corner.

Ipswich have opened up a five point lead in the Adnams East Premier League after their 4-1 win against Redbridge and Ilford, with the prolific goalscorer Andy Cook getting another brace. Richard Blackford and Andy Beresford completed the scoring. Shuhel Ullah levelled the scores prior to the interval before Ipswich raced away. Cambridge City, 4-2 winners at Bedford, are in second place.

With the leaders Weston-super-Mare going down 6-1 at the hands of Robinsons, Bath Buccaneers' 2-0 victory at home to Exeter University put them back in the No 1 spot in the SunLife West of England and South Wales Premier League.

In the Midlands, Nottingham scraped a 2-1 win against Loughborough Students to stay top, while in the North, Ben Rhydding kept themselves three points clear of Formby, after their 2-1 win at Harrogate.