HASLEMERE II 3, WINCHESTER III 2

HASLEMERE 2nd XI lead Hampshire 2 by a massive 11 points after their latest win. Their ambition will be to finish the season as unbeaten champions.

The twos were looking to continue their fine run of form against a Winchester side who have provided tough tests in the past.

Haslemere played patient hockey at the start, moving the ball smoothly from side to side.

A weakness this season has been their inability to convert short-corner chances, yet they took the lead from such a set play. Although not a classic routine, the ball found its way to Alfie Dennis at the top of the D and he finished nicely.

Haslemere kept up the pressure, but a dangerous counter-attack and lack of communication at the back led to an equaliser for Winchester. The home team fluffed their lines at several more short corners and it remained 1-1 at half-time.

Elliott Hall was behind most of Haslemere’s better forward play in the second half and a smart finish by De Mello regained the lead.

Again, the visitors restored parity with a smart counter-attack and with time running out and more short corners going begging, a draw looked on the cards.

Finally, another scrappy short corner found its way back to the injector and Riglar fired inside the near post for the winner.