HOCKEY: AN UNBEATEN run of 30 games finally came to an end on Saturday for Warwick as they lost 1-0 away at Old Halesonians but remain top of the Midland League Division One.
Warwick traveled to Old Hales full of confidence after picking up five wins from their opening five matches but they came up against a resolute home side who deployed a successful defensive formation which stifled Warwick’s attacking play.
The visitors dominated the opening period but scoring opportunities were at a premium as the Old Hales defence stood firm.
Patience was the key for Warwick as they found lots of space with James Barrett providing the creative spark but he could not help his side find an opening as the first half ended goalless.
Warwick changed their formation after the break and the chances started to come. Stickley thought he had broken the deadlock when he followed up from a short corner but a defender made an important block.
As the game neared a close, Old Hales pressed a bit further forwards allowing Warwick more space only for the home keeper to pull off two excellent saves.
With five minutes remaining a clinical counter attack saw Old Hales open the scoring against the run of play and despite coming close on two occasions, Warwick could not fine the goal their dominance deserved.
There was better news for Warwick’s third team who beat Stourport 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Gariel Thornton.
The fourth team came from behind to earn a point against Sutton Coldfield with John Sawdon scoring the equaliser while the fifth team twice came from behind to beat Coalville 3-2 with Will Astley, Ian MacDonald and Josh Cooper all getting in the scoresheet.
It looks as though the future is bright for Warwick after the club’s under-18s won their first match of the season against Sutton Coldfield.
In the women’s section, an eight-goal thriller between Warwick and table-toppers Tamworth ended 4-4 in what was a thrilling contest on Saturday.
Lucy McEvoy opened the scoring for Warwick following a bright start but they were pegged back at 1-1 by the midway point.
The second half was packed with excitement with as Ally Keays scored Warwick’s second from a goalmouth scramble only for Tamworth to draw level again before a controversial goal saw Warwick go behind for the first time.
Issy Hurst’s deflected shot made it 3-3 but as Warwick continued to push forward they again conceded in open play to fall behind.
Warwick threw an additional player forward in the final five minutes with McEvoy and Keays combining well for Ally to slot home a fourth to make it 4-4 at the final whistle.
There was not such good news for Warwick ladies’ third team after a young-looking side fell to a heavy 9-0 defeat against Edgbaston and the ladies’ over-35s lost out to Stourport by the same scoreline.
