Newark move to fifth in league

The Newark Hockey Club men’s 1st XI, who were bottom of the table seven games ago, recorded their fifth win to go up to fifth spot in East Midlands Division One following a 3-2 success at home to Coventry side Sikh Union.

Dave Thomas scored twice and Mark Wheeler made it seven goals in seven games for a Newark side that was full of confidence after their draw at league leaders South Nottingham the previous week.

Newark’s mens 1sts have a Saturday off tomorrow, while next week they are at home to third-placed Tamworth (1.30pm start). The Newark men’s 2nds, who were out of action at the weekend, are at home to Corby tomorrow at the Magnus Sports Centre (1.30pm).

Newark Ladies 1sts went down 4-0 at home to Notts Premier Division leaders Southwell Brincliffe United 1sts after goals from captain Hannah Wraith (2) Judith Grainger and Helen Kirby.

There was better news for Newark Ladies’ 2nds as they won 5-0 at home to Monarchs 3rds in Division Two, with Ciara Bamford and Ann Crockett-Mclean both netting twice and Emma Sanders grabbing the other.

Monarchs continued to press and did look very dangerous on the counter-attack but the Newark defence were up to the task and kept a clean sheet.

Newark Ladies 3rds drew 2-2 at Redhill in Division Three thanks to a Di Jones brace.

Southwell Brincliffe 2nds lost 3-1 at North Notts in Division One, with the consolation effort from captain Julie Brodsky, while Southwell 3rds won 4-0 at home to Beeston to move into third in Division Two following goals from Clare Cracknell (2) Helen Newbold and captain Megan Joyce.