CHELMSFORD AND HAMPSTEAD REMAIN IN PREMIERSHIP by Peter Savage pitchside at Chelmsford

The status quo remains in the Slazenger Premier Division as a result of today’s play-offs at Chelmsford. The host club, who overcame Sunderland 3-1 yesterday, found themselves in trouble when their visitors pegged back a 2-0 lead. Chloe Rogers had converted a penalty stroke for Chelmsford late in the first half and Kirsty Smith had made it two from a corner. But Sunderland’s Susan Hamilton was on target from penalty corners and converted two in ten minutes early in the second half. However, they were unable to capitalise on their golden patch and the score remained at 2-2. Chelmsford remain in the Premier Division and Sunderland’s dreams of promotion will have to wait another season.

Hampstead & Westminster, who drew 2-2 against Brooklands yesterday, proved too strong for them today. They opened the scoring after only two minutes of play with a penalty stroke from David Eakins. Despite fluffing his shot, the ball crept under Lee Ible in the Brooklands goal. On the stroke of half-time Hampstead increased their lead with a corner conversion by Eakins. Brooklands looked like coming back into the match after Andy Cornick scored Hamstead’s third. Jon Bell scored in open play but the revival was short lived. Jono Holt scored Hampstead’s fourth towards the end of the second half and the final score was 4-1. So Hampstead & Westminster can also look forward to Premiership hockey next season.