Lively London Ladies

EAST LONDON HOCKEY CLUB S Ladies recovered from a disappointing loss last week to defeat promotion rivals Old Southendian 5-0 at the weekend. A fantastic display from the Londoners made sure the three points were never in doubt. The visiting team provided

EAST LONDON HOCKEY CLUB'S Ladies recovered from a disappointing loss last week to defeat promotion rivals Old Southendian 5-0 at the weekend.

A fantastic display from the Londoners made sure the three points were never in doubt. The visiting team provided stern opposition, but London never looked like losing, with goals from Martje Langerwerf and Esme Olive-Hobley giving them a 2-0 half-time lead.

Further goals in the second half, including a spectacular one-handed finish from Langerwerf, sent London to second place in the Essex Women's Hockey League Division One.

n THE men's first XI travelled to Upminster where, despite a weakened team, they expected a win to keep their own promotion challenge on track.

However, a resolute Upminster side proved more difficult than their league position suggests.

The visitors led twice with goals from Dan Hyden and Adam Willoughby, but both times Upminster drew level. Both teams had opportunities to win but had to settle for a share of the points.

Elsewhere in the club, the men's third XI put yet another East London team in the chase for promotion after stealing second place from local rivals Wapping in the East England Hockey League Division Six (SE). A frantic 5-3 scoreline was enough to give London the victory.

The result of the day, however, was a 10-3 win for the men's fourth XI against a high-flying Old de Ferrian's side.

London started off on the front foot and almost immediately won a short corner which saw Mike Birnie score his first for the club. Further goals from Matt Thomas, James Conway, Ash Bakrania and Chris Howard as well as a hat-trick from Tom Habibi secured the win.