HOCKEY: HAMPTON-in-Arden made up for the disappointment of an opening day loss by defeating Northampton Saints on the road.
It wasn’t all plain sailing for Hampton though. Saints applied plenty of early pressure, and it eventually told when they scored an early goal.
Hampton didn’t panic though, and they soon started to settle into the game.
A slight change in tactics proved fruitful as a pair of quick goals from Ethan Hopkins and Dafydd Bowles saw Hampton take a slender lead into half-time.
Hampton started the second half as they finished the first, and were soon 3-1 up thanks to a smart finish by Jon Coleman from a decisive Warrick Laverick pass.
Saints tried hard to get back into the game, but the visitors soaked up the pressure and found two more goals on the breakaway – Hopkins completing his hat-trick with both goals.
Although the home side managed to register a late consolation goal, Hampton remained solid and saw the game out.
They’ll look for their first home win this weekend as they take on undefeated Barford Tigers.
Ladies 1st XI
HAMPTON hosted Leamington Ladies 2nd XI on a humid October day.
The home side were strong from the get go and put a well drilled Leamington team under pressure.
Leamington quickly returned the favour though and forced Hampton keeper Sarah Pettigrew into an excellent early save.
Determined Hampton kept plugging away though, and their efforts were rewarded when they took the lead from a penalty flick courtesy of Harriet Thompson.
It didn’t take long for Hampton to register their second goal when a strong carry by newcomer Molly Haley led to a quick pass to Erin Killaspy who converted.
Milli Cauthery then made it 3-0 when drilling the ball between the keepers legs before half-time.
Though Leamington came out strongly in the second half, Hampton held under pressure.
A spa goal reduced Hampton’s lead to two. But by then it was too late, Hampton had recorded their third straight victory.
They’ll be looking to make it four out of four this Saturday against Stratford.
