HOCKEY Leaders rattle in the goals

Herne Bay men’s 4ths tightened their grip on top spot in Kent Open Division 2 with an 8-0 win at Holcombe 6ths on Saturday. Adam Stevens, Jamie Newman, Ada Hawkes each scored twice to help the team to their 10th win of the season. Kenny Mcmahon and Alfie Forbes were also among the goals in the rout, with the latter’s performance warranting him man of the match. The result marked the biggest winning margin of the season for Aaron Pout’s side with three games to play, which includes a meeting with the Folkestone Optimist 7ths, a team they beat 7-0 earlier in the campaign. Bay’s men’s 3rds were also on the favourable side of a large scoreline, beating Burnt Ash 4ths 5-0 in Kent Open Premier B thanks to goals from five different players and a man-of-the-match performance from Jamie Pout. A third win in four games continued the team’s positive response to a seven-game stretch without a victory between November and midJanuary. The men’s 2nds were confined to staying in second place in Kent Area Division2 after a 1-0 defeat to Holcombe 3rds, while the ninth-placed 5ths were beaten 3-2 by New Beccehamian 2nds in Kent Open Division 3. A mixed week also saw the 1sts slip to a 2-1 loss to Sevenoaks 3rds as they finished the weekend in third in Kent Division 1. Bay’s ladies’ 2nds were unable to answer to K Sports’ two goals in Kent 3, despite the joint-player of the match efforts of Bella Daly and Holly Barton. The 1sts also endured a disappointing outing as they were beaten 2-0 at Holcombe 2nds in Kent 1. There was, however, a win for the 3rds, with a Nicola Holmes brace contributing to a 3-1 victory against Bromley and Beckenham 4ths.