North Stafford Hockey Club Men’s 1s secured a crucial 2-0 win against Harborne 2s to end their losing streak and boost their fight against relegation. Two penalty corner goals from player-coach Ben Read settled the affair, with North Stafford deservedly winning after controlling the first half but failing to fully convert their dominance.

The victory, their first since the opening day of the season, lifts the side off the bottom of the table in Midlands 1, ahead of a crucial game against bottom place Worcester 1s on Saturday.

The Ladies 1s played out an exciting 2-2 draw in their promotion clash against top of the table Lichfield 3s. A win would have seen the Ladies move to the top of the league, but they remain only three points away from top spot. Fran Callwood scored both goals in a hard-fought game, which could easily have gone either way.

Michelle Price scored four times as North Stafford Ladies 2s secured a resounding 10-0 win over Tamworth 3s. Fiona Clements scored twice, whilst there were further goals from Evie Smith-Allen, Millie Edwards, Andrea Kellett and Amelia Whitehouse in a dominant display. The victory, couple with a defeat for Phoenix Blues, sees the unbeaten Ladies 2s move to the top of the table. On Saturday they play nearest rivals Phoenix Blues 1s in their final game before Christmas.

The Men’s 2s also eased to a comfortable victory away against bottom placed Wednesbury 1s. Henry Croxon scored three times on his competitive debut for the 2s, helping the side to a 7-0 win. Dan Reardon opened the scoring with a fine opening goal before Jacob Brotherton and Croxon gave the visiting side a 3-0 half time lead.

There were two further goals from Croxon in the second half, along with strikes from Kavan Nijjar and Oskar Wood. This was the Men’s 2s third consecutive victory and consolidates their position in fourth place in the league.

Elsewhere the Men’s 4s were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Stafford 4s. Jared Cordes scored but North Stafford were unable to convert their chances to secure the three points they desired. The Men’s 3s were beaten 5-0 by second place Old Wulfrunians 1s, whilst the Men’s 5s lost 3-1 to Wolverhampton and Tettenhall despite a short corner strike from Adam Dean.

On Sunday the Boys u18s participated in the Midlands Indoor Finals. The side played five games, opening with a 3-3 draw against National Premier Division side Beeston. Repton retained their position as Midlands Champions, defeating North Stafford 6-1, before the Boys picked up their first win by beating Sutton Coldfield (5-2). A narrow 2-1 defeat followed against Belper before the Boys finished with a comfortable 4-0 win over Lichfield to round off a positive day of hockey. The Men's over 40s were also in action against Alderley Edge, but Alan Lewis' side suffered a 7-0 defeat against strong opposition.