Striker Scott Apps was the hero at Oaklands on Sunday, scoring both goals as the St Albans Hockey Club men’s 1sts defeated Blueharts 2-0 in the East League Premier.

In a remarkable passage of play just after half time, Apps won possession on the left wing and mounted an attacking move from which he scored. Minutes later he won a penalty corner which he then converted. The victory capped a successful double-header weekend for the team after a thrilling 4-3 win over Cambridge City on Saturday. The Tangerines stormed to a 3-1 half-time lead after converting their first three penalty corners through Matt Davey, Apps and Alex Spencer. A backhand solo goal from Adam Jones saw them home despite a spirited Cambridge fight-back.

The ladies’ 1sts midwinter break continued so it was the 2nds who took centre stage with a glorious six-point double win of their own. Saturday’s 3-0 win at Colchester came through goals from Fiona Nekeman and two from Sarah Embrey, while Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Crostyx saw Lexi Hamilton and Emily Panniers on the score-sheet.

The result of the weekend was delivered by the men’s over-50 side, the Praetorians, whose 7-1 rout at league-leaders Spencer came courtesy of goals from Jean-Paul Vincent (three), Richard O’Toole (two) and David Sheridan (two).