West Herts Hockey Club claimed their first National Hockey League Conference East victory on Sunday and coach Matt Grinham praised his players’ organisation and effort in their 4-1 win against Old Loughtonians.

It is the Stags’ first year at national league level but their encouraging display last weekend has given Grinham cause for optimism.

He said: “It was a great feeling to get that first win. Old Loughtonians have been in the league for a number of years and we more than matched them.

“The first half was very even but in the second period I thought the lads grew in confidence. They know now that they can compete at this level.

“What we perhaps lack in experience, we more than make up for in organisation and effort. We are a youthful side but have a great energy, it is up to other teams to then try and match that.”

Max Webster teed up his brother Dan for the Stags opener but Old Loughtonians hit back from a short corner.

However, West Herts then took control of the game and Jason Mallory fired the Stags back in front before two further goals from Dan Webster saw him complete his hat-trick and seal the victory.

“The players have made the step up really well,” Grinham continued. “We lost our first match but probably should have drawn and we were very good last weekend.

“I’m not surprised the lads have been able to adjust, they are a talented group. We do have a couple of injuries at the moment though, and the squad isn’t huge, so that will be a test for us going forward.

“But we know we can compete and that is encouraging. What we have probably got to learn to do now is to get results when we are not playing at our best.”

There was a good start to the East Premier season for the ladies’ first team as they defeated Cambridge City 1-0.

The Stags welcomed two new additions to their side with Louise Smith joining from Staines and Judith Duffin signing from Chelmsford.

It was a difficult opening 20 minutes for West Herts and Cambridge pushed forward.

However, the hosts slowly came into the contest and went close to going in front. Anna Coppel sent a first-time effort wide before Becky Perry flicked an effort from a shot corner past the post.

The game opened up in the second half and the Stags broke the deadlock from a short corner. Coppel pounced on the initial strike that was saved and turned the ball past the Cambridge goalkeeper.

West Herts grew in confidence after going in front and defended well. Cambridge did apply some late pressure but the home side were able to hold on and collect the three points.