HOCKEY: Fine start for Luton Town HC

The hosts took the lead through a penalty corner in the first half, before Luton levelled with a penalty corner of their own, converted by David Pike.

It was 2-1 by the break as Cameron Sarrington slotted in, while in the second period, Luton rammed home their advantage as Pike fired into the top corner.

The hosts were down to 10 men for two minutes when James Wallis received a green card, but Luton held firm and eventually scored again as Sarrington bagged his second.

Man of the match went to Harry Goss.

The men’s IIs lost 3-2 at home to Broxbourne IIIs in Division Five South West, while the IIIs lost 3-2 at home to Chesthunt IIIs in Division Seven South West, Zain Kazmi and Clive Whittle on target.

After drawing level at 2-2, Luton were under the cosh at times as despite the best efforts of Kazmi, George Ball, Fraser Smith and star performer keeper Thomas Briggs, they conceded a late winner.

The Ladies were held to a 1-1 draw by West Herts IIIs in their opening Five Counties League Premier Division match thanks to some heroics from goalkeeper Shannon Smith.

After exerting some considerable pressure, West Herts were ahead through a penalty corner as Suzanne Starkey came close to an equaliser.

However, they were on level terms by half time as fabulous passing move was finished by captain Charlotte Dunham’s unstoppable strike.

In the second period, Starkey was denied by the keeper, before the heroic Smith ensured her side left with point, making a handful of fantastic saves.

The Ladies IIs beat Royston as they had to forfeit the match.