Hockey: Resolute Wycombe go top

HIGH WYCOMBE moved into top spot in the Nastro Azzurro South Premier after two well-worked goals at penalty corners from Rob Cheatle as they beat neighbours Maidenhead 2-1, writes Bill Colwill. Although Kartar Davatwal pulled a goal back for Maidenhead, resolute defending by Wycombe kept them at bay. With Hampstead and Westminster only managing a draw at Fareham, Wycombe go two points clear at the top.

Hampstead struggled to create chances against a strong and well-organised Fareham defence and it was not until 10 minutes before the interval that Dan Williams gave them the lead after Andy Thompson's shot had been deflected by the goalkeeper. Within two minutes Chris Kirkham had equalised for Fareham.

Old Kingstonians, relegated from the PizzaExpress National League at the end of last season, slipped into third place following a fine 4-1 win away at Spencer. Last year's champions, Anchorians, picked up their first points of the season, thanks to five goals from Andrew Simmons in their 6-3 win at Mid Sussex.

Nick Fry collected his second succesive hat-trick as Ipswich trounced Old Southendians 6-0 to go top of the Norwich Union East Premier. Matt Day, Steven Stopher and Andy Cook completed the scoring. Blueharts also notched up six goals without reply against Pelicans to claim second place.

Three goals from Denise Shorney and one each from Sarah Mainprice and Claire Taylor gave Reading a 5-1 win against Guildford to go top of the Women's South League.