Men’s 1st XI back to winning ways

Newark Hockey Club men’s 1st XI recorded their first East Midlands One victory since October with a 2-1 success at home to Nuneaton at the Magnus Sports Centre on Saturday afternoon.

Fellow strugglers Nuneaton took the lead after just five minutes, but Newark dug deep and fought back, with Nigel Bett grabbing an equaliser before the break.

In the second half Newark looked the more likely to score and Alex Davies was on hand to hit the winner, slotting in from close range after a good team build-up.

Newark ladies 1st XI extended their lead at the top of the Notts Premier League to 13 points after a convincing 5-0 victory at West Bridgford Monarchs, with Emma Wilson (2) Megan Beard (2) and Hannah Coe getting the goals to maintain the side’s 100% record.

Beeston Hockey Club’s under-16 and under-18 girls teams have qualified for Sunday’s finals of the National Indoor Hockey Championships at Nottingham’s Trent FM Arena.

The under-16 side — including Ciara Bamford of Norwell and Normanton’s Maddie Sharpe — were in action in Birmingham where they battled out a tough 2-2 draw against Trojans before a 6-0 demolition of Bowden.

They lost 5-3 against Pelicans but went through to the semi-finals as group runners-up, and beat Havering 3-1 win to book their place in Sunday’s final where they will meet up again with Hampshire side Trojans.

The under-18s — including Yasmin Haywood (Thurgarton) Lucinda Dawson (Edingley) Elizabeth Mumby (Sibthorpe) and Alice Page (Scarrington) — were in Sheffield where they hammered Clifton 7-1 before winning 3-0 against Harleston Magpies.

Victories against Wakefield (4-3) and Surbiton (4-2) were followed by a tight 3-2 success against Horsham in the semi-final to book a date with reigning champions Belper in the final.