DAN Clarke, playing his last game for Haslemere before setting off on his travels, scored a hat-trick against local rivals Petersfield at Woolmer Hill on Saturday.
Petersfield went into the game on a high, having gained an invaluable point the week before with a 4-4 draw against runaway leaders Weymouth, Dean Tutt scoring all four goals for 'Field.
Haslemere were still licking their wounds after a 4-0 trouncing at Yateley.
With availability still a problem, Haslemere gave a chance to Chris Holland, a product of the junior section. He did well, joining Simon Alliss, Grant Roberts and Clarke in securing much of the early play in midfield.
It was Holland's close skills that caused Petersfield to give away a short corner, from which Clarke buried the ball in the bottom corner.
Petersfield rallied to produce some of their best hockey, led by the experience of Marcus Handley in midfield and the forging runs of Dean Tutt up front.
Tutt equalised with the best goal of the game, connecting first-time with a defence- splitting pass from Ed Easton to give Dan Hollyman no chance in the home goal.
But Haslemere continued to build their moves nicely, from Duncan Berry, Chris Stokes and Dave Mayson at the back right through to Guy Jones and Henry Alliss up front.
They regained the advantage shortly before the break, Clarke this time producing a top-spin strike to beat 'keeper Paul Martin.
The second half brought chances at both ends. Hollyman had to be at his agile best and the home defence right on top of their game to keep Petersfield at bay, especially when the visitors forced a succession of short corners.
Haslemere's sorties were also thwarted by goalkeeper, defence and, in one case, the crossbar when Stokes unleashed a rasping shot.
Clarke finally settled the issue with his third goal, a precision drag-flick into the top right-hand corner. A superbly executed goal to leave his mark on this game.
Petersfield, who were clearly unhappy with some umpiring decisions, need to practice their short corners because they really should have got something from this game. They entertain Southampton at Bohunt (1-30 pm) this Saturday.
Haslemere are away to Portsmouth & Southsea.