Hockey
Slow start is costly

Rugby and East Warwicks 3 Northampton Saints 6

MRHA Midlands Premier

NEEDING three points to put themselves firmly in the mix for second spot, Rugby produced one of their worst first half performances of the season against Northampton on Saturday.

They trailed 3-0 after just 20 minutes before pulling one back when Tom Morgay finished off a counter-attack.

Northampton scored twice more before half time to leave Rugby with an almost impossible mountain to climb in the second half.

Chris Graham did pull two back from short corner routines but Northampton scored again at the death to ensure it was they who took the three points.

THE 2nds climbed out of the relegation zone with a 3-1 victory against Northampton Saints 2nds.

Rugby went ahead through a Gilo Morrison short corner but Northampton levelled just before half time.

Morrison’s second of the game restored Rugby’s lead and the scoring was completed by Paul Ryan who finished calmly at the back post.

THERE was another defeat for the 3rds who went down 3-0 against Loughborough Town.

Duffin and Baker worked well for Rugby and man of the match Brayson did his best to drive them forward but it turned out to be a frustrating afternoon as a number of chances went begging whilst Loughborough proved more clinical in front of goal.

NICK Rushall and Chris Harrison scored the goals to give the 4ths a 2-0 home success against Sutton Coldfield.

Youngsters Jim Dickinson and David Heathcote worked tirelessly throughout whilst Ollie Church’s pace caused problems.

Rushall made it 1-0 with a reverse stick strike before Harrison helped the ball over the line in the second half after Heathcote fired goalwards.

AN INTER-CLUB derby saw the 5ths meet the 6ths with the 5ths triumphing 2-0.

Assheton opened the scoring with a goal on the break but the 6ths had moments of their own as Boult and Smith impressed.

Robinson doubled the lead in the second half with another goal on the counter to give his side some breathing space.

THE 7ths had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Worcester 6ths.

Tom Brindley made it 1-0 but sloppy marking allowed Worcester to level.

Debutant Stuart Morgan impressed for Rugby but it was Paul Baxter who regained the lead.

Worcester grabbed a share of the spoils when scrambling home from a short corner to deny Rugby who at least ended their run of seven straight defeats.

A BATTLING performance from the Ladies saw them hit back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 against Hampton.

Rugby had it all to do going into the second half but Nicki Siarbawa got them back into the game and Evie Baker made it 2-2.

JULIE Lines hit a hat-trick as the 3rds overcame Coventry City and University 4-0.

Player of the match Gill Harrison scored Rugby’s other goal in what was a strong team performance.

THE Badgers drew 0-0 with Daventry and Towcester Badgers in a game that provided a clash of styles.

Rugby’s passing game proved far more effective than Daventry’s route one approach but they were unable to make it count in front of goal.