St Albans Hockey Club Ladies were brought down to earth with a bump as they opened their Investec Women’s Hockey League Conference East season with defeat.

After the euphoria of player-coach Hannah Macleod’s Olympic gold medal, the aim this season is promotion to the top flight.

However, the found Sevenoaks in mean mood, succumbing to a 5-0 reverse.

There was better news though for the men who picked up a 4-1 win at Oaklands against Harleston Magpies.

Matt Davey scored both of the two penalty corners awarded to the home side.

The ladies 2s were also on winning form beating Maidstone 3-0 with a hat-trick from newlywed Fiona Mulder.

The ladies 3s drew 2-2 away to Brentwood following goals from Liz Cleverly and Sarah Mobbs while the men’s 4th team won 7-2 against Southgate Adelaide.

The men’s 5th team also secured three points following a 3-1 win against Potters Bar and the men’s 9s beat Stevenage 2-0 and the Praetorians had a 4-3 win against Surbiton.