South League

Simon Harrison hit a sparkling hat-trick as City of Oxford produced a magnificent flowing performance to win 3-1 against mid-table Regional League rivals Newbury at Oxford Brookes.

This was a vital game for City, who were boosted by the return of key players James Hammond and Matt Beynon.

The home side started brightly and were ahead within the first five minutes when Harrison turned sharply and crashed the ball home following good work from Chris Letts.

City were never under pressure even though Newbury had some good possession, and they went further ahead when Harrison deflected a Letts free hit into the net for his second of the game.

Phil Pearson was rarely troubled in goal as City went on to control all areas. The third goal, again converted by Harrison, was made by a brilliant jinking run from Andy Small, who could prove the find of the season after making his debut last week.

Newbury scored a late consolation when their left back arrived from nowhere to finish at the far post.

Abingdon were beaten for the second weekend in succession, losing 2-0 away to British Airways in Area Division 1.

Although the stick skills of the British Airways midfield caused Abingdon problems, determined defending by the visitors meant they went in goalless at half-time.

However, it was the home side who opened the scoring early in the second half, when they were awarded a soft penalty stroke. Herbi's flick proved too powerful for a diving Nick Butler in the Abingdon goal.

Ten minutes later, British Airways sealed the three points when they scored with a simple tap-in after a break down the right wing.

Abingdon's best chances of the afternoon both fell to Mike Ruppe, first when he just failed to get a touch on a cross from Kev Smith midway through the first half, then late in the second half when his shot drifted just wide of the post.

Bicester slipped to third in Division 1 after being held 2-2 at home by fourth-placed Mill Hill.

Oxford University were also held at home, drawing 1-1 with Wimbledon in Premier Division 1.

Bicester failed in their bid to reach the last 16 of the EHA Men's Vase when they were beaten 4-3 by Torbay, from South Division 1 of the Gerrard League, despite leading twice.

Other scorers: Staines 2nd 5, City 2nd 1; City 3rd 1, Staines 3rd 5; PHC Chiswick 3rd 4, City 4th 1; Havant Vets 3, City Bulls 1 (J Horwood); Hawks 2nd 3, Eastcote 2nd 1; City of Portsmouth 1, Hawks 3rd 2; Meadhurst 0, Hawks 3A 1.