Seconds stick to top spot

Newark Hockey Club’s men’s 2nd XI were pushed all the way by Rolls Royce in their 2-1 win, keeping them top of East Midlands Division Two.

Newark welcomed back Tim McManus in goal, and it wasn’t long before he was picking the ball out of the back of his net as Rolls Royce scored early on.

Matt Hammond brought Newark back into the game with a goal thanks to a cross from Jason Feehily to the back post.

It took something special from Robin Lowth and Sam Smith to find the winner, as they combined for Lowth to fire past the keeper to secure three points for Newark.

Newark men’s 1st XI were held at home in a 3-3 thriller with Daventry in East Midlands Division One.

Sam Gallop, Adam Henfrey and Mark Wheeler got the goals to secure Newark’s position in the league ahead of rivals Leicester, who are equal on 29 points, thanks to a better goal difference.

They lie three points behind Tamworth, in fourth place.

Newark Ladies 2nd XI had a double-winning weekend and are poised to complete a league and cup double this season.

On Saturday they beat Rushcliffe Ladies 4-1 in the Notts League Division Two, when they displayed the fine passing skills which have taken them to top of the league.

The first goal came from Ann Crockett-McLean with the second by Jemma Gough.

Rushcliffe brought the score to 2-1, but two second half goals from Crockett-McLean and Emma Sanders sealed the win.

They were again in action the following day, beating West Bridgford Monarchs 3rds 3-0 to book their place in the final of the Nottinghamshire Shield.

Newark Ladies’ 1sts were beaten 5-0 by Southwell Brincliffe 1st XI at the Magnus Sports Centre in the Notts Cup semi-final.

The first half was tight but Southwell took charge in the second, with captain Hannah Wraith, Judith Grainger, Helen Kirby, Natalie Butterworth and Charlotte Smith scoring the goals.

Southwell now progress to the cup final on April 6.

Southwell 2nd XI won a hard-fought match 2-0 against Beeston 2nd XI at Highfields.

The decisive goal came from Rachel Kemp, who added another in the second half to confirm the win.

Southwell 3rds achieved a convincing 7-0 victory over North Notts 3rd XI in the Nottinghamshire Shield.

A hat-tick from the young talent of Elizabeth Mumby was added to by captain Megan Joyce and Karen Sanderson, who each bagged a brace.