More reasons to celebrate for hockey club

Sutton Coldfield Hockey Club were given plenty of reasons to be cheerful last week, as the mens' firsts edged ever closer to promotion and the ladies were rewarded for their exploits at the Sutton Sports Awards.

The men made light work of a tricky-looking home fixture against Wolverhampton - defeating the visitors 4-0 to increase their lead at the top of the table to a massive eleven points.

Sutton were in front within 20 seconds, when Alistair Smith beat the Wolverhampton goalkeeper with his first touch of the game.

The visitors were left shell shocked by that early blow, and were unable to live with the intensity of a Sutton side that were already high on confidence.

Further goals from Paul Terleski, Jon Owens and Alex Johnson wrapped the game up before half time, and a solid defensive display also ensured that Sutton kept their seventh clean sheet in nine games.

Next up for the table-toppers is a clash against local rivals Streetly at Bishop Vesey's Grammar School this Saturday - pushback is at 1.30pm.

Despite still enjoying their mid season break, the ladies' firsts were also celebrating, after winning Senior Team of the Year at the Sutton Coldfield Sports Awards last Friday.

Goalkeeper Becky Batsford (pictured) was singled out for particular praise as she picked up Female Sports Personality of the Year.

The ladies' firsts return to league action on February 11.

Other Sutton results this weekend included:

Lichfield Mens' 2nd XI 1-0 Sutton Mens' 2nd XI

Sutton Mens' 2nd XI 3-4 Melton Mens' 2nd XI

Sutton Mens' 4th XI 1-3 Edgbaston Mens' 5th XI

Edgbaston Mens' 8th XI 5-5 Sutton Mens' 8th XI

Sutton Ladies' 2nd XI 1-0 Barton Ladies' 1st XI

Sutton Ladies' 3rd XI 5-0 Long Buckby Ladies' 1st XI

Long Buckby Ladies' 2nd XI 0-11 Sutton Ladies' 4th X

Atherstone Ladies' 1st XI 2-3 Sutton Ladies' 5th XI