HOCKEY: PROMOTION remains the aim for Warwick as they moved to within six points of second-placed Barton in the Midland League Division One thanks to a narrow 3-2 victory away at Burton.
The visitors began Saturday’s match in a quick tempo and dominated both possession and territory from the off while also creating several scoring opportunities.
The Burton keeper kept Warwick at bay with several fine saves until Stickley got his first with a well taken deflection as Warwick continued to pile on the pressure.
Both Hobbs and Pomfret came close to doubling the visitors’ lead before all of their hard work was undone just before the end of the half when a seemingly cynical breakdown in play went unpunished and Burton equalised from a counter attack and their first shot on goal.
After the break, Warwick returned to their quick passing and once again took control of the game. They found lots of space in midfield and deservedly went back ahead when Smythe got his first of the afternoon.
Stickley soon got his second to make it to 3-1 and only some great keeping from the Burton captain kept Warwick at bay.
A final counter attack saw a defensive mix up at the back which allowed Burton to pull one goal back but Warwick ran out 3-2 winners.
Elsewhere, a hat-trick by Nick Baker helped Warwick’s second team comfortably thump Boots 7-1 on the road.
Two drag flicks by Baker earned the visitors a two-goal lead and despite pulling one goal back Warwick restored their two-goal advantage by the break after David Harris converted a cross.
Warwick took control of proceedings even more after the break with Baker soon securing his hat-trick from a short corner.
Further Warwick pressure resulted in a brace for player-of-the-match Dan Kingman and an absolute beauty from James Allison put the result beyond doubt as Warwick moved further clear in second place.
There was to be no joy for Warwick’s fourth team who lost out in a seven goal thriller against Harborne. Warwick battled back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 at one point but they eventually lost out 3-4.
The mixed team were in action against Wooton Wanderers and took a two-goal lead only to get pegged back early into the second half but they eventually ran out 4-2 winners.
Anyone interested in joining this progressive, sociable club should contact us at [email protected] or go to www.warwickhockey.co.uk.
