Holcombe win 5-2 at Southgate in the Men’s Premier Division with goals from Nick Bandurak (2), Phil Roper, Sam Taylor and Tom Russell; Holcombe Women beat Southgate 2-1 in Vitality Division One South through Emma Bandurak and Phoebe Steele goals

Holcombe Men made it two wins from two with another impressive victory at the weekend, winning at Southgate.

Barry Middleton’s side won their Premier Division match 5-2 while Holcombe Women kicked off their Vitality Division One South campaign by beating newly-promoted Southgate.

By Lucas Ball

An electric first-half display from Holcombe Men saw them race into a 3-0 lead in front of a noisy crowd at the Southgate Hockey Centre, with the visitors’ attacking performance arguably deserving of more goals.

Despite that, it was Southgate who tested the opposition goalkeeper first with Ollie Payne forced into action early on, before a cutting Holcombe attack saw Tom Russell played through on goal, the Great Britain Elite Development Programme player slotting superbly past Anton van Loggerenberg.

Full Great Britain internationals Phil Roper and Nick Bandurak were causing Southgate problems and both went close before the hosts hit the post from close range after a counter-attack.

Tim Guise-Brown had a penalty corner effort saved as Holcombe looked for a second before it deservedly came. Vice captain Rob Field superbly beat a number of defenders before playing the ball across goal for Roper, who coolly slotted home a relatively simple chance.

The third Holcombe goal came from an incredible team move, likely to be one of the best goals of the Premier Division season. A number of players were involved in a fast, free-flowing move full of flair and first-time passes, with the ball eventually coming to Sam Taylor in the circle who slid home for a rare goal.

Southgate got a goal back, with Payne given no chance from an upright reverse, volleyed into the top corner.

The third quarter was a quieter affair in terms of chances, though