HASLEMERE Vets 3, Havant Vets 2 (Wessex Super Vets Alliance). Haslemere Veterans continued their winning run, even though they began this match with only nine players (Havant sportingly loaned them a 14-year-old son).

Within five minutes, Jonathan Roy converted a short corner with pinpoint accuracy. Havant soon drew level, but goals in quick succession from Iain Lynch and Jonathan Gidley gave Haslemere a 3-1 lead at half-time.

Havant put the result in doubt with their second goal, and only a dramatic stick save by Peter Lindars enabled the tiring Vets to record their third win in four games. Up to sixth in the league and plenty of optimism for the second half of the season.

Haslemere Masters II 1, Portsmouth & Southsea Masters 4 (Mercian Wessex Masters League Div 2). The Haslemere/Petersfield ‘Ne’er Do Wells’ are becoming standard bearers for friendly, enjoyable hockey, while refraining from actually winning.

This week, they were always chasing the game against younger, fitter and more skilful opponents.

A goal from Nick Lawson cancelled out Portsmouth’s lead, but for the second week in a row, a hamstring injury reduced the Haslemere numbers, Nick Daniels retiring just before half-time.

Portsmouth continued their relentless pace and despite the almost demonic efforts of the solicitors firm Marshall Martin and Atherton, Haslemere conceded two late goals.