Holt Harlequins hosted Harleston Magpies V this weekend and were determined to cling on to top spot in East League 3NE.

The match was hard fought with both sides playing some decent hockey. Holt took the lead after 15 minutes when Ben Plumb found Charlie Mack at the back post for a simple tap in. Harleston battled hard and forced a good save from Andy Day from a penalty corner and the score remained 1-0 at half-time.

The second half was a less even affair, with Holt dominating most of the play. Henry Sayer hit the post only for the keeper to inadvertently put the ball into his own net with an unfortunate back heel. Tom Nichols then produced some fast stick work and worked himself an opening to blast the ball home, capping some excellent midfield play by the home side.

Two quick goals from Ed Plumb and Mack lifted the score to 5-0 and the home side began to feel comfortable. This showed, and a lapse in defence meant that the clean sheet was not to be, with Harleston poking the ball home from close range.

The final whistle went and Holt had clung on to top spot with an excellent display of team work.

Sunday saw the Harlequins d hitting the road to Leyton Buzzard for a cup match. There were early doubts over Holt's ability to get a result after such a long journey but these were soon removed when Tom Nichols scored a sensational hat-trick en route to a 4-0 away win. Holt will now face Rutland hockey club in the next round.

Elsewhere in Division 3NE North Walsham beat Ipswich Cranes 4-0 and three points behind Harlequins in third spot, with a game in hand.

In the Marshall Motor Group Norfolk Women's league Reepham Ladies were beaten 2-1 at UEA III.

Reepham found themselves stretched with a player short during the opening stages and opened the scoring. Once Reepham were up to their full compliment they managed the opposition much better.

Against the run of play UEA added their second from a quick break but Reepham kept battling and pulled one back in the closing stages when Yvonne Seago converted from a short corner.

In East League Division 2NE North Walsham drew 3-3 at Norwich City while Panthers beat Loddon 6-1.