Second half goals from Alexandra Malzer and Laura Unsworth helped East Grinstead to a 2-0 victory at Bowdon Hightown in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts were unbeaten in their first two games with the visitors yet to score a single goal, and that pattern continued as the two sides were deadlocked at the break.
It was Malzer who opened the scoring six minutes after the restart before Unsworth opened her account for the season, converting a penalty corner to wrap up the points and kick-start East Grinstead’s campaign.
It was a low scoring day with defences on top in the Premier Division with just two goals in the other three games.
Holcombe remain unbeaten but had to settle for a nil-nil draw at newly-promoted Buckingham.
That is the second time Holcombe have failed to score this season after their opening day stalemate at East Grinstead.
Surbiton continue to lead the way after a 1-0 home victory against Leicester.
The only goal of the game was scored by Jo Hunter four minutes after the break, the defending champions staying top on goals scored.
Slough’s unbeaten start to the season is now at three games after they won by the same score at home to Canterbury.
Lizzy Totten scored her second of the season, converting a penalty corner 11 minutes from time to stay level at the top of the table with Surbiton on seven points.
Investec Conference North
There are three teams with perfect records sharing top spot in the Investec Women’s Conference North but Beeston are top on goal difference after a 3-2 defeat of the University of Durham. Rosy Stephens, Esme Burge and Nina Apoola were all on target.
Sutton Coldfield also made it three wins from three with a comfortable 5-0 win against Wakefield, Jane Sixsmith leading the scoring with a brace.
Brooklands Poynton are the other side with a 100 per cent record, they had to come from behind to beat Loughborough Students 3-2 with Jen Park scoring twice.
Kelly Baxter hit a double as Ben Rhydding beat Liverpool Sefton 3-0 and Fylde were 4-1 winners against Timperley with Sophia Crawshay’s double making it five goals in three games for her.
Investec Conference East
Hampstead and Westminster top the Investec Women’s Conference East on goal difference after three games after a 9-0 win against Chelmsford. Amy Askew and Joyce Esser both bagged a brace.
Sevenoaks took their third win with a 2-0 defeat of Barnes – Cathy Gilliat-Smith and Florencia Zappulla were on target.
Southgate claimed their first victory of the season in style, overcoming previously unbeaten Bedford 4-1 with Caitlin Wales scoring in each half.
Cambridge City occupy third place after a 3-0 win against Harleston Magpies and Wimbledon were also celebrating with a 2-0 win against St Albans away from home.
Investec Conference West
Stourport are top of the Investec Women’s Hockey Conference West on goal difference after a 6-0 defeat of early strugglers Cannock. A double for Lora Symonds took her tally to six for the season.
Trojans are level on points with Stourport after making it three wins in three against Isca, Jill Tombs and Philippa Stewart grabbing their goals in the second half.
Reading were held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City and the game between Team Bath Buccaneers and Olton and West Warwickshire was also a 1-1 draw.
Gloucester City trailed Oxford Hawks after just nine minutes but goals from Sarah Jennings and Charlotte McShane saw them triumph 2-1.
* The above photo shows Hannah Cozens and Beth Bingham in the game between Buckingham and Holcombe.
This report has been provided on behalf of England Hockey by Snowdon Sports.
