Oxford Hawks gave title-chasing visitors Slough a scare before falling to a 4-1 defeat in the Investec Western Conference on Saturday.

Playing some of their best hockey of the season, Hawks took the lead after 15 minutes when Kirsty Chapman finished brilliantly from a short corner to the delight of the big home crowd.

Towards the end of the half, Slough rallied, winning penalty corners of their own, and levelled with a straight strike from the top of the area.

Just before half time, they scored again from a short corner to make it 2-1.

At half-time, Hawks were grateful for the uplifting words from coach Andy Clark, ignoring the pain of having broken an arm playing while playing for the Hawks Senators an hour earlier.

In the second half, Hawks came close through Charlotte Crampton-Smith and Maisie Robertson.

However, strong defending from Slough prevented the home side from levelling.

Slough added a third, again from a short corner, and shortly before the end, Olympic bronze medallist Ashleigh Ball rifled the ball into the corner of the goal from open play to make the score a slightly flattering 4-1 to the visitors Witney kept up the pressure South Clubs League Division 3A leaders Oxford Hawks 2nd with a 2-1 win at home to Sonning.

After a slow start, Witney took the lead when a cross from Marie Vincent found Lucy Reading, who slotted the ball into the net.

Witney relaxed and paid for this complacency as Sonning equalised after the hosts lost possession on halfway.

After some stern words at half- time, Witney pushed higher up the pitch.

Finally, Witney captain Katie Gatt received the ball at a short corner and struck her shot hard and low for Ellie Norton to deflect it past the keeper for the winning goal, maintaining their unbeaten home record.

Oxford Hawks 2nd are now only two points clear at the top following a remarkable 6-5 defeat at home to Banbury.

Hawks’ goals came from Claire Werlinger, Lucy Millington, Jo Tolson, Kata Kerr and Emily Court.

Vic Coombs netted twice for Banbury, whose other goals came from Tash Nunneley, Sadie Lapper, Holly Firkins and Megan Moran.

Bicester came down to earth following their victory against South Bucks last week, when they went down 5-1 away to Maidenhead 2nd in Trysports Three Counties League Premier 1.

Leaders Maidenhead sped into a 3-0 lead in the first 15 minutes and 5-0 at the break.

Despite the score Bicester managed to keep their heads high in the second half,with Ella Weston scoring off a great ball into the D from Jo Wells.

Bicester, for whom Lucy Birtles shone, did not concede any goals in the second half.

OTHER WOMEN'S RESULTS

Oxford Hawks 3rd 4, Wallingford 2nd 0; Oxford Hawks 4th 6 (S Satterley 3, L Siese 2, V Easton), Maidenhead 3A 0; Oxford Hawks 5th 2 (L Phillips 2), Wycombe 5th 0; Oxford Hawks 6th 0, Henley Development 5; Bicester 2nd 2 (C Cochrane, C Humphreys), Oxford Univ 3rd 3.