West Herts Hockey Club’s indoor men’s side finished third at the National League Division Two event held at the University of the West of England at the weekend.

The Stags opened up with a 9-2 win against Preston before going down 8-3 against early tournament pace-setters Bath Buccaneers.

They responded with 6-3 and 9-3 wins against Cheltenham and Chelmsford respectively which set up a final match against Cannock.

A win by four or more goals would secure promotion to Division One but they were beaten 5-1 and had to settle for a spot in Division Two South in January.

The ladies were in action at the East Indoor qualifiers in Cambridge and claimed two wins and a draw from their opening three matches.

They beat Waltham Forest 5-1 but were then held to a 1-1 draw by Cambridge City. They then overcame Bishop’s Stortford 7-2.

However, they were beaten 3-1 and 6-2 by East Conference sides Old Loughtonians and Holcombe respectively but, despite the defeats, coach Harriet Preest was pleased with her side’s performances.

In the outdoor fixtures, the Ladies Seconds lost 2-0 to Luton and the Thirds drew 1-1 with Cheshunt.

The Fours won 3-2 at St Neots while the Fives drew 0-0 with Shefford & Sandy.

The Men’s Fifths defeated Winchmore Hill & Enfield Seconds 3-0.