HOCKEY: Hawks brought down to earth (From Oxford Mail)

HOCKEY: Hawks brought down to earth

10:30am Tuesday 31st January 2012 in Hockey

Oxford Hawks tasted defeat for the first time this season as their 13-match unbeaten run in Premier 2 of the South League ended in a 3-1 defeat at home to Tulse Hill & Dulwich.

It looked like business as usual for the leaders when Dave Cresswell put them ahead early on from short corner, but they conceded a soft goal to go in all square at the break.

The second half was similar to the first, with Hawks lacking their usual tenacity and aggression, allowing the London to add two more goals and take the honours.

Hawks remain four points clear at the top.

Banbury’s mini-revival in Premier 1 faltered as they were pipped 4-2 at home by Chichester Park.

The visitors opened the scoring from close range, Banbury hitting back through George Brooker.

The game continued in the same open fashion and both teams scored twice more to go in level at the break.

Australian Jimmy Dick grabbed both for Banbury.

A fourth for Chichester put Banbury under sustained pressure and yellow cards for Tyson Nunneley and Josh Nunneley did not help their cause.

They had their own chances late on, but Banbury could not find an equaliser.

Oxford University drew 3-3 with Sevenoaks, Will Devitt, Alex Evans and Adam Jordan scoring their goals.

Oxford stormed to the top of Regional Division 1 with a thumping 6-1 win at Wycombe 2nd.

They went in front with flowing move finished off by Mark Carpenter and were 3-0 clear at half-time.

Wycombe reduced the arrears after the break, but left themselves open at the back and were made to pay.

Dan Bleach (2), Rich Beer, Andy Wynd and Carpenter again were on the mark for the victors.

Witney cemented third place in MBBO Regional Division 2 with an impressive 5-0 win over South Bucks. Goals from Tim Hardy (2), Ben Wells, Chris Spencer and Dan Wallis could prove vital if the title goes down to goal difference.

Bicester went down 4-3 at home to Wokingham in Division 1, their goals coming from Harry Gaunt (2) and Stu Locket.