St Albans Hockey Club’s men’s 1sts climbed up to third in the East League Premier A after a 5-4 win at Dereham.

Tom Hudson, Adam Jones, Mark Lowden (two) and Scott Apps scored as the Tangerines took a 5-1 lead. They had to weather a three-goal storm late on but the held out to extend their unbeaten run to four games.

The ladies’ 1sts remain second in the Investec Conference East after a frustrating 2-0 defeat to a well organised and hard tackling Harleston Magpies team who took chances in the middle of each half.

The ladies’ 2nds fared better in a gritty turnaround performance against Upminster, to stay top of East League Division 1S. The Tangerines conceded in a disastrous start, but pressure and patience paid off with a Hayley Payne equaliser just before half-time. The points were secured through a skilful Annie Barratt volley.

This Saturday both first teams are at home at Oaklands: the ladies play Chelmsford at 1pm and the men follow at 3pm against Harleston Magpies.