HOCKEY: AN ENTERTAINING top of the table clash between Hampton and Stratford ended in a stalemate as the Solihull club kept hold of top spot.
Hampton welcomed Warwickshire rivals Stratford who were looking to overtake the hosts into top spot in Midland League Division Two.
In what was always likely to be a close and tight affair, Hampton took the lead through Ethan Hopkins when he converted from a penalty corner routine.
Stratford fought back and converted from a penalty corner of their own just a few minutes later to make it 1-1 at half-time.
The second half saw Stratford dominate and they really should have taken all three points after missing a number of clear cut chances as the game wore on.
Hampton had their backs to the wall but clung on to top spot, knowing that they could break away from the chasing pack with their game in hand on Sunday.
After keeping their lead at the top of the league intact on Saturday, Hampton travelled to Coalville 24 hours later knowing that they could put some distance between themselves and the rest of the field.
Hampton produced some of their best hockey of the season to date in the first 20 minutes, culminating in captain Dafydd Bowles bagging a hat-trick to put the visitors 3-0 up at half time.
The second half was a much more even affair, with Coalville showing great character to keep going. However, goals from Jon Coleman (2) and Tom Cronin gave Hampton enough of a cushion and saw them come away with a 6-4 victory.
With three games left in the season, Hampton travel to second placed Telford on Saturday.
