A SINGLE goal from Sally Walton was enough to earn Olton & West Warwick three points and continue their stay near the summit of Investec Women’s Division One North.
The closely-fought encounter with Brooklands-Poynton at Grange Road was an unexpected on, given the visitors poor start to the season.
A full-strength Olton were rewarded for their early dominance after going a goal up inside 12 minutes, when Walton swept home from a penalty corner.
Both keepers were in fine form with chances at both ends, but with no further scoring, Olton claimed the points to rise to third.
Next up is a home game against Yorkshire-based side Ben Rhydding on Sunday (noon).
The men’s first XI were not as successful in their trip to Bowdon in Division One North, losing 4-1.
Heading to Manchester fully aware of the hosts’ unbeaten start to the season, Olton were determined to end that run and demonstrated their intentions in a well-contested opening 20 minutes.
A goal from the hosts in the 28th minute changed the complexion of the game, giving Bowdon the incentive to grab a second via a penalty stroke three minutes later.
Olton then had a lifeline 14 minutes into the second half, when Steve Batten picked out the corner from open play.
But with the visitors having to chase the game, two goals in three minutes killed off the contest, Bowdon striking in the 61st and 64th minute from open play.
Olton remain fourth and host University of Nottingham on Saturday (noon).
BARFORD Tigers Seconds were the benefactors of an under-par performance by Solihull Blossomfield’s men’s first team.
The 4-0 defeat was Bloss’ third in three games in West Midlands Premier Division, though the scoreline could have been considerably worse had it not been for Ben Rabone’s heroics in goal for the hosts.
Blossomfield Seconds were ravaged by the Tigers Thirds in a 5-0 loss in South West Division One.
Despite being the side with the greater share of possession, Bloss went two goals down before being reduced to ten men, with three late goals confirming defeat.
A 1-1 stalemate with Burton gave Solihull ladies first XI a much-needed point in Midlands Division One.
The visitors dominated the game for the opening 20 minutes, though Bloss were able to regroup and go in level at the break.
Emily Perrin fired home from Lucinda Dawson’s pass to give the hosts an invaluable lead, one which was wiped out with just seven minutes remaining.
Meanwhile, the ladies Seconds were defeated 4-0 away at Khalsa Leamington Seconds to stay second-bottom in Warwickshire Women’s Hockey League Division One.
Starting strongly, Bloss were unable to convert their early chances and went behind to KL’s first attack of the game.
From there, the hosts ran riot with two more goals before half time and a goal immediately after the restart.
