ROMSEY 3, HASLEMERE 9

HANTS/SURREY 2 Regional leaders Haslemere took an early start and long journey in their stride and recorded a thumping victory over fifth-placed Romsey.

It was pleasing return to top form by the Blues who had struggled to beat Andover the previous week.

With a clear blue sky above and frozen pitches a fading memory, Haslemere played in a flamboyant style that delighted the travelling supporters.

The visitors were in control from the start, with the triumvirate of Andy Major, Campbell Hancock and Grant Roberts dominating midfield, allowing Andy Powell, Nic Cope, Graham Stopher and Tristan Conoley to run free and pressurise the Romsey goal.

With skipper Rob Dilworth’s instructions still ringing in their ears, the forwards made the pitch as big as possible, stretching the opposition to the limit.

Romsey had players who were dangerous in possession, but they were rarely allowed to break out of their own half, and when they did they found Dilworth and Barney Green marshalling a solid defensive wall alongside Chris Fox and James Bennett.

Haslemere’s ability to get the ball and give it quickly made them untouchable at times. Time and time again, the Blues executed moves with just two touches of the ball.

Romsey just couldn’t handle the visitors’ extra pace as Powell repeatedly arrived in the D in the right place at the right time to score a hat-trick.

Leading scorer Cope began the goal-fest, the power of his shot beating the keeper at his near post.

Stopher, showing his finishing skills, followed up with a brace as the strikers linked up beautifully and he has now has reached the milestone of 150 goals for Haslemere Hockey Club.

Full-backs Fox and Bennett also got on the scoresheet, both converting from short-corner routines, Fox with a neat deflection on the back post and Bennett with a trademark smash.

Despite these scoring feats, it was Campbell Hancock who was named man of the match. The influential midfielder dictated the pace of the game, rarely losing the ball and constantly driving his team forward.