Birmingham hit back just three minutes later, Catherine Ledesma finding the target, but it was not enough to prevent Surbiton taking the points and returning to the top of the standings.

Buckingham and Holcombe both moved above Birmingham after home victories on Saturday, the second half of the season set up to be a thrilling one with the top four separated by just three points.

Abbie Brant scored twice as Buckingham defeated Slough 4-1 at home to go second.

Slough won the reverse fixture back in September but that never looked on the cards this time around, Kitty Higgins opening the scoring on 13 minutes before Brant’s brace either side of the break put the hosts in control.

Georgina Bathurst reduced the arrears on 44 minutes, but Buckingham had the final say, Natasha James scoring six minutes from time to secure the points.

Holcombe are third after a 3-0 home triumph over mid table Clifton Robinsons.

Two goals in the space of a minute just before half time gave the hosts the initiative, first Philippa Lewis followed by an Emma Trunks penalty corner.

The points were secured nine minutes after the interval, Dirkie Chamberlain’s third goal in as many games wrapping up the win.

Bowdon climbed two places up the table to seventh after a surprise 2-1 victory at East Grinstead.

Julie Whiting opened the scoring for the visitors on 22 minutes to give them the advantage at the break, only for Alexandra Malzer to equalise five minutes into the second half.

However, Bowdon were not to be denied their third victory of the season, Rosie Bailey converting a penalty corner 11 minutes from time to secure the points.

Bottom club Canterbury are now unbeaten in four games after they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw at home to Leicester.

Rachel Mack put the visitors ahead after a quarter of an hour, but Sarah Kerly’s fourth of the season ensured the points were shared.

Investec Conference East

Sevenoaks moved level on points with leaders Hampstead & Westminster in the Investec Conference East after a 5-1 victory at Barnes.

Sally Sime had put the hosts ahead but two goals apiece from Maddie Thompson and Cathy Gilliat-Smith, along with one from Katherine van Woerkom, gave the visitors the points.

Hampstead’s home game against Bedford was called off, but they remain top on goal difference with a perfect nine wins from nine so far this term.

The conference’s leading scorers Wimbledon recorded a comfortable 6-0 win at Southgate to remain three points off the pace, Crista Cullen scoring a hat trick to take her total to 15 for the campaign.

Meanwhile, Cambridge made it four unbeaten after a 3-0 win over lowly Chelmsford, whilst St Albans secured a much needed three points in a 2-0 win at home to Harleston Magpies.

Investec Conference North

Beeston go into the winter break top of the pile in the Investec Conference North, a 3-0 victory over Fylde seeing the leaders to their 10th straight victory.

Sophie Robinson and Caroline Hulme put the hosts two up after just 11 minutes, with Nina Apoola’s second half strike sealing the victory.

Second place Brooklands Poynton remain six points behind the leaders after a 1-0 win at the University of Durham, Annie Mills’ eighth of the season the games’ only goal.

Ben Rhydding won 3-2 at Loughborough Students, Kelly Baxter with the winner after the hosts had fought back from two down.

Elsewhere, Jane Sixsmith and Bethan Merriman were again on the scoresheet in Sutton Coldfield’s 5-1 win over Wakefield, whilst Timperley gave themselves some breathing room at the bottom of the table after a crucial 2-1 win at Liverpool Sefton.

Investec Conference West

First clashed with second in the Investec Conference West as leaders Trojans entertained Reading and it was the hosts that ran out victors by an unexpected 4-0 margin.

Trojans struck twice in each half with Jill Tombs, Lauren Anning, Jenny Peebles and Hannah Leigh all on target.

The result allowed Stourport to move up to second after they beat Cannock 4-1. Sarah Parkinson-Mills was quick out the blocks, scoring from penalty corners in the sixth and seventh minutes. Further goals from Lora Symonds and Sarah Cavendish saw them over the line.

Team Bath Buccaneers claimed only their second point of the season in a 1-1 draw with Oxford Hawks whilst the game between Swansea City and Isca also ended 1-1.

The other game of the day between Olton & West Warwickshire and Gloucester City ended 2-2, Gloucester coming back from two down at the break.

* The lead photo shows Surbiton’s Emily Atkinson in action.

Report courtesy of England Hockey 

Playing on Saturday, Birmingham opened the scoring through Harriet Mitchell’s 28^th minute penalty stroke, just three minutes after the hosts’ goalkeeper Kath Somerville had denied a Leicester penalty stroke to keep the scores level.

The hosts took control after the break, Lydia Macdonnell, Rosie Henderson and Holly Munro all finding the net, before Liz George pulled one back for Leicester with 15 minutes to play.

The margin of victory proved crucial for Birmingham as they now share an identical record with defending champions Surbiton who lost 2-1 at home to Buckingham.

Sarah Page put Surbiton ahead five minutes into the second half of Sunday’s match, but the visitors fought back to claim the points in dramatic fashion.

Kitty Higgins tied the game with six minutes to go before Lauren Thomas converted a penalty corner for her third of the season to snatch victory for Buckingham, who themselves now sit just a point behind the leading pair.

On Sunday, Holcombe and East Grinstead both picked up important victories which saw them cut their gap to the top of the table to just three points.

Holcombe won 3-0 at home against Slough, Sarah Jones scoring after just two minutes before Emma Trunks and Dirkie Chamberlain secured the points in the second half.

Much of the action came late on as East Grinstead edged out Clifton Robinsons 4-3, Zoe Burrell netting a hat-trick.

Burrell grabbed her first on 14 minutes but the sides went in level thanks to Lisa Daley’s equaliser for Clifton.

The game sparked to life with a quarter of an hour to play, Burrell’s second restoring East Grinstead’s lead only for Abigail Porter to tie the game five minutes later.

Pippa Chapman restored the visitors lead for a third time just 60 second later before Burrell completed her hat trick, and despite Joanna Leigh pulling one back with three minutes to play East Grinstead held on.

Meanwhile, Canterbury claimed their first victory of the season after a 1-0 win over Bowdon.

Hannah Griggs scored the game’s only goal three minutes before the break as Canterbury closed the gap to their opponents at the at the foot of the table to just two points.

Investec Conference East

A hat-trick from Kate Reynolds helped Sevenoaks secure an emphatic 8-0 victory over Chelmsford in the Investec Women’s Conference East on Sunday.

Other goals came from Maddie Thompson, Jen Wilson, Alice O’Connell, Florencia Zappulla and Jess Denniff, giving them a victory which means they stay level with leaders Hampstead and Westminster, who won 3-1 at Wimbledon.

Lauren Turner, Annabeth Wijtenburg and Joyce Esser scored their goals, while Crista Cullen was Wimbledon’s only scorer.

Elsewhere Barnes and Cambridge drew 1-1 while Bedford and Harleston also drew by the same margin and on Saturday, Southgate and St Albans could not be separated in a 0-0 draw.

Investec Conference North

Beeston’s 100 percent record in the Investec Conference North was stretched to eight games after they comfortably defeated Sutton Coldfield 7-1 on Sunday.

Lauren Burrell starred for the leaders hitting a hat trick, with Esme Burge, Rosy Stephens, Nina Apoola and Sophie Robinson all on target.

Anna Baker and Claire Dobison both converted penalty corners as the University of Durham ran out 2-1 winners at Wakefield, whilst second half goals from Jo Ellis and Jenny Wilson helped Ben Rhydding to a 2-0 victory at Timperley.

On Saturday, Brooklands Poynton recorded a fourth successive win, this one a 3-0 triumph over Fylde to briefly go level on points with Beeston.

Meanwhile, Sophie Byrne opened her account for the season with a brace as Loughborough Students won 4-0 at Liverpool Sefton.

Investec Conference West

Reading are now top of the table and the only unbeaten team in the Investec Conference West after they secured a 4-1 victory over Oxford Hawks on Sunday.

Trojans’ 2-3 loss to Olton and West Warwicks on Saturday saw them lose the lead 24 hours later, as a hat-trick from Sophie Shakespeare and one from Emma Royce gave Reading the win over Oxford Hawks.

Elsewhere, Stourport remain third after a 3-1 win at Isca with Hannah Corcoran, Sarah Parkinson-Mills and Lora Symonds scoring their goals.

Gloucester City’s Danielle Gibson scored a hat-trick and Jessica Thomas added another as they won 4-0 at home against Team Bath Buccaneers, while Swansea City beat Cannock 1-0 thanks to Carys Gordon’s 42^nd minute goal.

* The lead photo shows University of Birmingham goalkeeper Kath Somerville defending against Leicester’s Maeve Macdonald.

Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division

Results, Saturday 11 November 2017 to Monday 13 November 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North

Results, Saturday 11 November 2017 to Monday 13 November 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East

Results, Saturday 11 November 2017 to Sunday 12 November 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West

Results, Saturday 11 November 2017 to Sunday 12 November 2017

League table

Report courtesy of England Hockey via Snowdon Sports

With just two draws and two points to their name so far this season Canterbury are five points adrift at the foot of the table, but a victory on Sunday could ease their worries.

“We’re looking to take the form from the win last weekend and start building a bit of a run,” said Helen Fagg, co-captain of a Canterbury side who have several new young players in the squad as well as a new coach in Australian double Olympic gold medal-winner Kate Starre.

“The table shows that the gap between teams is very thin and anyone can beat anyone else. I don’t think the points we have reflect our performances so far, we’ve been unlucky with some results.”

Elsewhere, leaders Surbiton face an in-form Buckingham side who lie third but could move up to second with a victory and if the University of Birmingham lose at home to Leicester.

Other top flight action sees two matches featuring four teams who are all level on ten points; East Grinstead go to Clifton Robinsons, while Holcombe host Slough.

Currently third in the Investec Conference East, last season’s champions Wimbledon play host to leaders Hampstead & Westminster who will want to preserve their 100% record. Meanwhile, second-placed Sevenoaks entertain bottom of the table Chelmsford as they bid to keep pace with the leaders.

Beeston head to Sutton Coldfield with the aim of maintaining their perfect record in the Investec Conference North, while Brooklands Poynton are at home against Fylde and could go top if Beeston falter.

Meanwhile, bottom of the table Loughborough Students head to Liverpool Sefton side on Saturday in a match which is important to both side’s hopes of keeping clear of the relegation zone.

Trojans have conceded just two goals so far this season in the Investec Conference West and they will be looking to continue that form as they entertain Olton & West Warwicks on Saturday afternoon.

Elsewhere, an unbeaten Reading will host Oxford Hawks on Sunday, while third-placed Stourport go to Isca.

* The lead photo shows Bowdon Hightown’s Julie Whiting in action against Leicester.

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 11 2017

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Investec Premier Division
Univ of Birmingham v Leicester 13:45
Surbiton v Buckingham 16:00

Investec Conference North
Brooklands Poynton v Fylde 11:45
Liverpool Sefton v Loughborough Students 14:00

Investec Conference East
Southgate v St Albans 14:00

Investec Conference West
Trojans v Olton & West Warwicks 12:00

Sunday, November 12 2017

Investec Premier Division
Canterbury v Bowdon 12:30
Clifton Robinsons v East Grinstead 13:00
Holcombe v Slough 14:00

Investec Conference North
Sutton Coldfield v Beeston 12:30
Timperley v Ben Rhydding 12:40
Wakefield v Univ of Durham 13:00

Investec Conference East
Bedford v Harleston Magpies 13:00
Barnes v Cambridge City 13:30
Sevenoaks v Chelmsford 13:30
Wimbledon v Hampstead & Westminster 14:00

Investec Conference West
Isca v Stourport 12:00
Swansea v Cannock 12:00
Gloucester City v Team Bath Buccaneers 13:00
Reading v Oxford Hawks 14:30

This report has been provided on behalf of England Hockey by Snowdon Sports.

The sides started the day as the top two but it was visitors who took the lead midway through the first half, Emily Atkinson converting a penalty corner.

Surbiton doubled their lead four minutes before the break through Emily Defroand, a lead that they would hang onto making it three wins on the bounce.

Bowdon claimed their first win in six after a last gasp 2-1 victory at Leicester to pull away from the bottom of the table.

Natalie Wray (pictured) opened the scoring on eight minutes, a lead that Bowdon held until seven minutes from time when Kathryn Lane’s penalty corner looked to have rescued the hosts a point.

It was Wray who had the final say, doubling her and Bowdon’s tally with a penalty corner with a minute to play to send the visitors home with all three points.

Buckingham moved second in the table after a 3-2 win at home to Clifton Robinsons.

Lauren Thomas struck first for Buckingham on 29 minutes, only to see her effort cancelled out by Abigail Porter two minutes later but the hosts would still go into the break ahead, Eloise Laity restoring the lead a minute later.

Natasha Marke-Jones again restored parity in the second half for Clifton, but again they were level for just one minute, Natasha James’ second of the season securing the points.

Erica Sanders scored the only goal of the game whilst Katherine Somerville kept a clean sheet to help send the University of Birmingham third after a 1-0 win at Slough.

Meanwhile, Canterbury picked up only their second point this term, coming from behind to draw 1-1 at home to Canterbury.

Both goals came in the second half, Eleanor Watton scoring for the visitors with Lucy Hyams hitting the equaliser for Canterbury, Holcombe having to settle for their fourth draw of the season.

Investec Conference East

Hampstead & Westminster eased to a 6-0 victory at home to Harleston Magpies to stay top of the Investec Conference East on goal difference.

Leading 2-0 at the break through Emily Maguire and Annabel Driver, the hosts took control after the break, goals from Lauren Turner (2), Annebeth Wijtenburg and Jasmine Clark sealing the win.

Sevenoaks join the leaders with a hundred percent record after coming from behind to beat St Albans 2-1, Maddie Thompson striking the winner.

Great Britain’s 2016 Olympic Gold Medal winners were in fine form on Saturday, Crista Cullen scoring four to move into double figures for the campaign as Wimbledon dispatched Chelmsford 9-0, whilst Helen Richardson-Walsh hit a double in Cambridge City’s 5-1 win over Southgate.

Meanwhile, Rachel Jackson converted a last-minute penalty corner as Bedford won 2-1 at Barnes for their first victory since the opening day of the season.

Investec Conference North

Beeston stretched their winning streak at the start of the Investec Conference North season to seven games after a 2-1 victory at home Ben Rhydding.

Alice Huddleston and Sophie Robinson both scored in the space of four first half minutes and despite Kelly Baxter pulling one back for Ben Rhydding with 10 minutes to play, the hosts held on.

Brooklands Poynton remain hot on the leaders heels after a 4-2 win at Timperley, Annie Mills scoring a brace for the visitors to take her tally for the season to seven.

Loughborough Students picked up their first points of the season with a 2-0 win at Wakefield, Annabel Sams and Cerys Miller on target, whilst a Tess Howard double helped lift the University of Durham to a 3-0 win over Sutton Coldfield.

Liverpool Sefton fell to the foot of the table after Loughborough’s win, they entertain mid-table Fylde on Sunday.

Investec Conference West

Trojans stayed top of the Investec Conference West after an impressive 4-0 win at Stourport.

The two sides were separated by just two points at the start of the day, but second half strikes from Jill Tombs, Emma Teague, Jenny Peebles and Hannah Leigh gave the visitors victory.

Sophie Shakespeare hit a first half brace as Reading stay a point behind the leaders after a 2-1 win at Isca.

Two goals in seven minutes for Jodie Beddow and Esme Gibson helped Cannock make it back to back wins with a 2-0 triumph at Olton & West Warwicks.

Elsewhere, Abi Flory scored the winner as Oxford Hawks won 2-1 at strugglers Team Bath Buccaneers whilst Swansea City defeated Gloucester City by the same scoreline.

* The lead photo shows Nat Wray celebrating her winner for Bowdon Hightown against Leicester.

Report courtesy of England Hockey via Snowdon Sports

Results, Saturday 04 November 2017 to Sunday 05 November 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North

Results, Saturday 04 November 2017 to Sunday 05 November 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West

Results, Saturday 04 November 2017 to Sunday 05 November 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East

Results, Saturday 04 November 2017 to Sunday 05 November 2017

League table

It is tight at the top of the table with both teams in a list of five that could go top after this weekend but Birmingham’s Berkshire-based opponents will be gunning for glory after being beaten by reigning champions Surbiton last time out.

“Even when they were fighting to stay up last year Slough were a very difficult team to play against and they have worked hard since last year and picked up a few points early on,” said the University of Birmingham’s Head Coach Phil Gooderham.

“It’s a very close league at the moment with everybody beating everybody else, but I think it’ll settle down after a couple more weeks.

“We had a poor pre-season because we had so many goals away, but things have picked up for us,” added Gooderham, whose side have not lost since September.

Elsewhere, Surbiton will be looking to extend their three-point lead at the top of the table when they head to East Grinstead, while Clifton Robinsons – who drew with last season’s runners-up Holcombe last weekend – have a match at Buckingham.

There is also the Kent derby match at Canterbury with Holcombe the visitors in a double-header with their men’s teams. Canterbury are desperate for points with just one draw to their name this season, while Holcombe have only won two of their first six and will be desperate for points so they do not fall behind the frontrunners.

Finally, Leicester are hosting Bowdon Hightown and will be looking to build on last weekend’s 4-1 win over Canterbury.

Leaders Hampstead and Westminster will be looking to continue their free-scoring ways in the Investec Conference East as they host Harleston Magpies, while Sevenoaks will similarly be looking to preserve their 100% record as they go to St Albans.

Beeston have a 100% record in the Investec Conference North, and they entertain Ben Rhydding on Saturday while Brooklands Poynton – who scored nine goals in their win over Wakefield last weekend – will be aiming for a similar result when they go to Timperley.

Reading go to Isca in the Investec Conference West as they bid to preserve the only unbeaten record in the table. Meanwhile, leaders Trojans also have an away match with Stourport being their hosts.

* The lead photo shows University of Birmingham’s Lydia Macdonnell in action.

FIXTURES

Saturday, November 4 2017

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Investec Premier Division
Buckingham v Clifton Robinsons 12:00
Slough v Univ of Birmingham 12:30
East Grinstead v Surbiton 13:30
Leicester v Bowdon Hightown 14:30
Canterbury v Holcombe 16:00

Investec Conference North
Univ of Durham v Sutton Coldfield 12:00
Wakefield v Loughborough Students 12:00
Timperley v Brooklands Poynton 12:30
Beeston v Ben Rhydding 14:00

Investec Conference East
St Albans v Sevenoaks 13:00
Barnes v Bedford 13:30
Hampstead & Westminster v Harleston Magpies 13:30
Wimbledon v Chelmsford 14:00
Cambridge City v Southgate 15:30

Investec Conference West
Isca v Reading 12:00
Olton & West Warwicks v Cannock 12:00
Swansea City v Gloucester City 12:00
Team Bath Buccaneers v Oxford Hawks 12:30
Stourport v Trojans 14:30

Sunday, November 5

Investec Conference North
Liverpool Sefton v Fylde 12:30

This report has been provided on behalf of England Hockey by Snowdon Sports.

The two sides were first and second before the start of play and that showed in a keenly contested first half, though it was the hosts who struck first with Emily Atkinson breaking the deadlock on 25 minutes.

Ashpal Kaur Bhogal hit back for Slough three minutes later converting a penalty corner but they were level for just two minutes, Hannah Martin restoring Surbiton’s lead at the break.

The hosts pulled away in the second half, Giselle Ansley scoring her fourth of the season and Jo Hunter converting a penalty corner to put the game out of reach.

Slough did pull one back later on through Georgina Bathurst, but it was Surbiton who are now clear at the top of the table, whilst Slough make up a clutch of six teams separated by just a single point.

Two of these sides, Clifton Robinsons and Holcombe, both lost ground at the top as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Ellie Watton (pictured) had put Holcombe on course for victory with the opener midway through the second half, but Zoe Leach’s penalty corner eight minutes from time rescued a draw for Clifton.

The University of Birmingham moved second in the table, leapfrogging opponents East Grinstead after a 1-0 home victory.

Katelyn Aitchinson struck the game’s only goal after 21 minutes as the hosts made it four games unbeaten.

Zoe Shipperley scored on the stroke of half time as Buckingham recorded a 1-0 victory at Bowdon, breaking a run of three consecutive draws.

Meanwhile, Leicester were the biggest winners of the day, running out 4-1 victors over struggling Canterbury.

Elizabeth Honarmand and Katie Long grabbed two goals apiece in the win, Sarah Kerly with a late consolation for the visitors who are yet to taste success this term.

Investec Conference East

Hampstead & Westminster and Sevenoaks both made it six wins from six games with away victories in the Investec Conference East.

Leaders Hampstead won 2-0 at Cambridge City, Annabel Driver and Joyce Esser on target to both move onto six goals for the campaign.

Sevenoaks recorded a 3-0 win at Bedford, Sophie Crosley, Kate Reynolds and captain Katy Warrington scoring for the visitors who also kept a sixth successive clean sheet.

Wimbledon also picked up an away win to remain just three points behind the leaders, running out 4-0 victors at Harleston Magpies with Laura Bevan and Libby Sherriff amongst the scorers.

Elsewhere, Southgate were back to winning ways with a 3-2 triumph at Chelmsford, whilst St Albans picked up their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw at home to Barnes, Ellen Paterson rescuing a point for the visitors with five minutes to go.

Investec Conference North

It was six of the best for Beeston who stay top of the Investec Women’s Conference North after a 6-0 home win over Liverpool Sefton.

Rosy Stephens both opened and wrapped up the scoring for Beeston, Lauren Burrell, Nina Apoola, Esme Burge and Fenella Scutt also on target as the hosts made it six wins from six.

Brooklands Poynton remain hot on their heels after an emphatic 9-1 victory over Wakefield. Annie Mills scored fourtimes whilst Izzy Wray hit a brace, all after Wakefield had taken a sixth minute lead.

After four straight wins to start the season, it is now back-to-back defeats for Sutton Coldfield who went down 2-1 at Ben Rhydding, Jo Ellis and Tanisha Janzen on target in the first half for the hosts.

Vicky Lomas scored the winner in the dying minutes as Timperley defeated Loughborough Students 2-1, the Leicestershire side without a point this season, whilst Fylde’s game against University of Durham was goalless.

Investec Conference West

Second-placed Reading picked up a 1-0 victory at home to leaders Trojans in the Investec Conference, ending the visitors 100% start to the season.

Emma Thomas converted a 27th minute penalty corner to score the games’ only goal and cut the gap at the top of the table to a single point.

Stourport are just a point further back after a comfortable 6-1 win at Oxford Hawks, Lorna Mackenzie hitting a brace with Lora Symonds again on the scoresheet.

Sally Walton scored two and Lucy Smith one as Olton & West Warwicks won 3-2 at home to Swansea City, the hosts now unbeaten in four, whilst Gloucester City ran out 4-1 winners over Isca.

Mia Foster scored just after the restart as Cannock defeated strugglers Team Bath Buccaneers 1-0, it could have been worse for Bath if not for Kelz Bowden saving a first half penalty stroke.

The lead photo shows Ellie Watton scoring for Holcombe at Clifton Robinsons. 

All the latest news and results via www.englandhockey.co.uk

Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division

Results, Saturday 28 October 2017 to Sunday 29 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East

Results, Saturday 28 October 2017 to Sunday 29 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North

Results, Saturday 28 October 2017 to Sunday 29 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West

Results, Saturday 28 October 2017

League table

This report has been provided on behalf of England Hockey by Snowdon Sports.

Both teams, along with East Grinstead, currently have ten points and with three other teams within three points of them, the top flight is shaping up to be a closely fought contest.

“Things are going pretty well for us at the moment but we’re not getting ahead of ourselves at this stage,” said Slough captain Kat McGonigle.

“Our target at the start of the season was to finish higher than eighth last season and that’s still the aim. We didn’t expect our match with Surbiton to be a top of the table clash! We’re looking forward to the game. We’re playing some good hockey, but they’re obviously a decent side.”

Elsewhere third-placed East Grinstead head to the University of Birmingham, while Clifton Robinsons and Holcombe – who are fourth and fifth in the table – face each other at Coombe Dingle.

Canterbury head to Leicester as they continue their bid for a first victory of the season, while Bowdon Hightown are hosting Buckingham.

The top two also meet in the Investec Women’s Conference West, with leaders Trojans travelling to second-placed Reading.

Stourport head to Oxford Hawks as they bid to keep pace with the top two, while the bottom two meet with Cannock at home against Team Bath Buccaneers.

Leaders Hampstead and Westminster will be aiming to maintain their perfect start to the league season when they go to Cambridge City in the Investec Conference East, while Sevenoaks are similarly on a 100% record and go to Bedford in search of victory number six.

Beeston host Liverpool Sefton as they go for a sixth consecutive win in the Investec Conference North, while second-placed Sutton Coldfield go to Ben Rhydding.

* The lead photo shows Slough goalkeeper Asha Tranquille-Day. 

Fixtures:

Saturday, October 28 2017

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Univ of Birmingham v East Grinstead 12:30

Clifton Robinsons v Holcombe 13:00

Bowdon Hightown v Buckingham 13:45

Leicester v Canterbury 14:00

Surbiton v Slough 14:00

Investec Conference North

Brooklands Poynton v Wakefield 12:00

Loughborough Students v Timperley 12:30

Ben Rhydding v Sutton Coldfield 13:30

Fylde v Univ of Durham 13:30

Beeston v Liverpool Sefton 14:00

Investec Conference East

St Albans v Barnes 13:00

Chelmsford v Southgate 14:00

Harleston Magpies v Wimbledon 14:00

Bedford v Sevenoaks 14:30

Cambridge City v Hampstead & Westminster 15:30

Investec Conference West

Olton & West Warwicks v Swansea 12:00

Oxford Hawks v Stourport 12:00

Cannock v Team Bath Buccaneers 12:30

Gloucester City v Isca 12:30

Reading v Trojans 16:30

All the latest news and results via www.englandhockey.co.uk

This report has been provided on behalf of England Hockey by Snowdon Sports.

A 22nd minute field goal was followed just before half time by a second goal from Thomas from a penalty corner, and they wrapped up the points with Jo Leigh scoring from a 68th minute penalty corner to move to fourth in the league table.

Leaders Surbiton had to fight back from behind to take a 3-1 win at Holcombe in a repeat of last season’s League Final.

The hosts took an early lead with Emma Tonks scoring from a seventh minute penalty corner, but the sides were level at the break with Alice Sharp scoring on 27 minutes.

Giselle Ansley gave Surbiton the lead for the first time from a penalty corner on 53 minutes, and Sarah Haycroft added a third from open play four minutes later.

Slough are second in the table and level on points with Surbiton after beating Leicester 2-1.

Early goals from Mel Ball and Emma Onien on nine and 12 minutes put them ahead. Maeve Macdonald scored in the 32nd minute for Leicester, but it wasn’t enough as there was no further score in a hard-fought second half.

East Grinstead are third after a 2-0 win over bottom of the table Canterbury. Zoe Burrell and Ellie Rayer scored their goals.

Buckingham opened up a two-nil lead over the University of Birmingham with Lauren Thomas and Phoebe Richards scoring. But Alice Wills and Amelia Andrews bagged second half strikes to ensure a share of the spoils for the University of Birmingham.

Investec Conference East

A hat-trick from Annabel Driver helped Hampstead and Westminster retain their 100% record at the top of the Investec Women’s Conference East.

Amy Askew scored two and Joyce Esser one as Hampstead overcame St Albans 6-3.

Elsewhere, Wimbledon were 6-0 winners over Bedford. Crista Cullen scored a hat-trick, while other goals came from Anna Tomas, Libby Sherriff and Nicky Lloyd.

Sevenoaks are second following their 2-0 home win over Cambridge City, with Sophie Crosley and Samantha Danckert scoring their goals.

Katherine Ridley’s 31st minute penalty corner goal was the only score as Harleston Magpies won 1-0 at Chelmsford, while Southgate and Barnes battled out a tense 0-0 draw.

Investec Conference North

Brooklands Poynton beat title rivals Sutton Coldfield 2-1 as their Investec Women’s Conference North campaign continued.

Helen Turner gave Brooklands the lead after eight minutes and Tilly Dyos-Szolkowska doubled their advantage on 55 minutes. Beth Merriman pulled one back for Sutton Coldfield, but they still lost out.

Elsewhere, the University of Durham were 7-1 winners over Loughborough Students. Tess Howard scored a hat-trick, while others came from Penny Joyce, Anna Baker, Lorna Jane Cruickshank and Nat Konerth.

Wakefield were 2-1 winners over Ben Rhydding with Abi Rawlins and Lauren Brooke scoring their goals, Kelly Baxter had levelled for the visitors.

Investec Conference West

Two goals from Cat Horn and one from Emma Teague helped Trojans open up a four-point lead at the top of the Investec Women’s Conference West, beating Cannock 3-1.

Reading are second after a 1-1 draw with Gloucester, Keelie Perham scoring for the hosts and Danielle Gibson for Gloucester City.

Two goals in the final ten minutes helped Oxford Hawks secure a 2-2 draw with Olton and West Warwicks.

Sally Walton and Harriet Payne scored for the visitors, while Annabelle Denly and Catherine Reaney were on target from penalty corners in a three-minute purple patch for the Hawks.

Elsewhere, Annie Dalton and Katherine Holdgate scored for Isca who beat Team Bath Buccaneers 2-1, while Swansea City overcame Stourport 2-0 with Kat Budd and Katherine Mee on target.

The lead photo shows Claire Thomas celebrating a goal for Clifton Robinsons against Bowdon Hightown. 

Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division

Results, Saturday 21 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East

Results, Saturday 21 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North

Results, Saturday 21 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West

Results, Saturday 21 October 2017

League table

Report courtesy of England Hockey via Snowdon Sports

Holcombe are the only unbeaten team left in the league, but will be taking nothing for granted against Surbiton, who beat them 3-1 in the final at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in London last April.

“It’s going to be a tight game,” said Holcombe’s First XI Manager Gary Owen. “I just hope we don’t get the rebound from their loss last weekend!

“We’ve settled down well and our defence is stronger this year, so we’re confident going into the match. We will watch video of them, but most of our preparation will be about us and what we want to do.

“At the end of the season Surbiton will be there or there abouts, and we’re aiming for the top four too, so this could well be a bit of a six-pointer.”

Elsewhere second-placed Slough host Leicester as they bid to maintain their good start to the season, while East Grinstead could also go top if they beat visitors Canterbury and other results go in their favour.

And in other top flight action Buckingham are at home against the University of Birmingham who inflicted Surbiton’s first loss of the season last weekend, and Bowdon Hightown head to Clifton Robinsons.

In the Investec Conference East high-scoring leaders Hampstead and Westminster play host to bottom of the table St Albans on Saturday, and will be looking to add to the 20 goals they have scored in their first four matches.

Meanwhile second-placed Sevenoaks have not conceded any goals in the league this season. They entertain Cambridge City on Saturday as they target another clean sheet.

Early leaders Sutton Coldfield are at home against third-placed Brooklands-Poynton in the Investec Conference North, while second-placed Beeston go to Fylde on Sunday.

Top of the table Trojans haven’t conceded a single goal so far in the Investec Conference West, and they take on Cannock on Saturday with the aim of continuing that form.

Elsewhere second-placed Stourport go to Swansea City as they bid to maintain their unbeaten form.

* The lead photo shows Holcombe’s Beth Bingham (right). 

FIXTURES

Saturday, October 21 2017

Investec Women’s Hockey League

Investec Premier Division

Buckingham v Univ of Birmingham 12:00

Slough v Leicester 12:30

Clifton Robinsons v Bowdon Hightown 13:00

East Grinstead v Canterbury 16:00

Holcombe v Surbiton 16:00

Investec Conference North

Univ of Durham v Loughborough Students 12:00

Wakefield v Ben Rhydding 12:00

Sutton Coldfield v Brooklands Poynton 12:30

Investec Conference East

Sevenoaks v Cambridge City 12:00

Southgate v Barnes 12:30

Hampstead & Westminster v St Albans 13:30

Chelmsford v Harleston Magpies 14:00

Wimbledon v Bedford 14:00

Investec Conference West

Isca v Team Bath Buccaneers 12:00

Oxford Hawks v Olton & West Warwicks 12:00

Swansea City v Stourport 12:00

Trojans v Cannock 12:00

Reading v Gloucester City 16:30

Sunday, October 22 2017

Investec Conference North

Timperley v Liverpool Sefton 13:15

Fylde v Beeston 13:30

Report courtesy of England Hockey via Snowdon Sports

England and GB ace Lily Owsley fired them in front after eight minutes from a penalty corner, only for Rebecca Middleton to level for Surbiton four minutes later.

After the break Alice Wills put the University of Birmingham back in front from a 50th minute field goal, and Erica Sanders made sure of the win with a 59th minute goal from open play.

That result means that Holcombe’s 1-0 win over Bowdon Hightown was enough for them to take over at the top of the table, with Dirkie Chamberlain’s 19th minute field goal giving them the points.

Alex Malzer’s goal with two minutes remaining was enough for East Grinstead to beat Slough 1-0 and climb to fourth in the table, while Slough stay second.

Clifton Robinsons were 2-1 winners at Canterbury. Sarah Kerly gave the home side the lead in the ninth minute, but the visitors hit back with goals from Elena Emo and Hannah Coulson.

In the day’s other top-flight match, Leicester and Buckingham couldn’t be separated and a close match ended goalless.

Investec Conference East

Wimbledon pulled off the result of the day in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East with a 9-0 defeat of Southgate.

Libby Sherriff opened the scoring in the sixth minute and Wimbledon were three up at the break with Laura Bevan and Anna Toman adding to the tally.

The floodgates opened in the second half with second goals for Sherriff and Bevan with Tamsyn Naylor, Crista Cullen, Kate Maxey and Nicola Lloyd all on target.

Hampstead and Westminster top the table with four wins from four thanks to a narrow 1-0 away win at Bedford. Sevenoaks are second – they also won 1-0 against Harleston Magpies. Cambridge City were worthy 3-0 winners against St Albans and Barnes beat Chelmsford 4-1.

Investec Conference North

Two goals from Barcelona Olympic legend Jane Sixsmith helped Sutton Coldfield to a 3-0 win over Fylde, and they remain top of the Investec Women’s Conference North table with a 100% record.

She struck in the second minute from open play and again five minutes later from a penalty corner. Emma McCabe scored their third eight minutes from time from a penalty corner.

Beeston are also on a 100% record after winning 1-0 at Brooklands Poynton, but they had to rely on Alice Huddlestone’s late goal to clinch the win and inflict their rivals’ first defeat of the campaign.

Elsewhere, Ben Rhydding were 3-0 winners at home against Loughborough Students, while the University of Durham won 2-1 against Timperley and Liverpool Sefton beat Wakefield 3-1 with Jane Bazley-Harrison scoring twice for the hosts.

Investec Conference West

Trojans are the only team in the Investec Women’s Conference West with a 100% record after they overcame Swansea City on Saturday.

Emma Teague’s 22nd minute strike put them ahead, and late goals from Imo Lea and Philippa Stewart helped them to victory.

Stourport dropped to second after they shared the spoils in a goalless match with Gloucester City.

Elsewhere, Lily Walker scored twice in Cannock’s 4-1 win over Oxford Hawks, while Reading moved third thanks to Keelie Perham’s two goals which helped them win 2-0 at Team Bath Buccaneers.

And Sally Walton scored twice as Olton & West Warwicks won 3-2 over Isca.

* The lead photo shows Alice Wills celebrating her goal against Surbiton. Credit: Andrew Smith.

This report has been provided on behalf of England Hockey by Snowdon Sports.

Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division

Results, Saturday 14 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East

Results, Saturday 14 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference North

Results, Saturday 14 October 2017

League table

Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference West

Results, Saturday 14 October 2017

League table