SEVENOAKS' men's first team's match in the England Hockey National League East Conference against Southgate was postponed, because of snow on the pitch.

Sevenoaks III: 6

Blackheath II: 3

FOLLOWING last week's comfortable win against BBHC, under the inspirational leadership of stand-in captain Ed Salmon, Sevenoaks' thirds faced another struggling team, Blackheath.

Sevenoaks were especially confident as their striking arsenal, mainly consisting of Rob Brown's venomous reverse-stick shooting, was boosted by the return of Guthrie Miller and his trademark drag flicks.

Oaks started magnificently, with midfielders Mark Nelson and Ed Salmon moving play around their opponents' half.

It took less than five minutes for the home team to open the books, as the returning Mark Baker casually lifted the ball into the net, following a nicely worked move down the right-hand side via Miller and Brown.

Minutes later, Oaks doubled their lead, again through Baker, and the hosts looked to be leaving Blackheath's players in their wake. Oaks slipped in concentration somewhat towards the end of the first half, conceding two sloppy goals, one from a questionable penalty flick.

Ever-improving Toby Walker kept out a second penalty-flick to ensure the hosts were ahead at 3-2 going into half-time.

Miller's half-time team talk focused on maintaining discipline, and Oaks immediately lifted their game again with their fourth and fifth goals, from Miller and Nelson respectively.

Jonny Bramwell, despite having been absent at sea, looked as comfortable as ever at the back, leaving Blackheath frustrated time and again. He was aided by fellow defenders Miller, James Hornsby, and Rob Higgs' physical prowess.

Despite missing a hatful of chances, to which he will be the first to admit, Baker rounded off his hat-trick with a neat finish, beating the keeper one on one to guarantee the home side an important victory, especially as first-placed HSBC dropped three points to last-placed BBHC.

The race for the title is still very much open.

Sevenoaks VI: 6

Old Bordenians VII: 2

SEVENOAKS' sixths eased to a 6-2 home win over Old Bordenians. From the beginning, Oaks looked dangerous with the powerful front line of James Side, Nigel Holmes and Pete Smith running at the defence. Midfield dynamo Andy Reid opened the scoring with a sweetly struck strike from a short corner.

The visitors struck back past the looming presence of canny keeper Mike Hrebien when the Oaks defence failed to clear: 1-1. But the impressive Rob House, Duncan Brown and Andy Reid then imposed control in the midfield and started peppering the Old Bords goal.

Athletic birthday boy Wiltshire provided fine push-outs from penalty corners and two more goals followed for Side to leave Oaks 3–1 up at half-time.

In the second half, sweeper John Taylor established influence, while Chris Hix, Neil Zabit and Duncan Brown were resolute at the back.

In a tactical substitution by skipper Hix, Pete Smith rejoined the fray, scored and retired again to the sidelines. Second-half sub Tim Boulton bottled up the visitors' play-maker in a battling display.

Then uncharacteristic defensive confusion gifted Old Bords a goal to make it 4–2, but Oaks were moving the ball with impressive speed.

Another short corner, well converted by Reid, made it 5–2 and then the deftest of touches by Holmes left Oaks convincing victors.

Thanks from both sides are due to volunteer umpires Tim Gore, Nigel Holmes and Derry Wiltshire.

Old Oaks: 11

Mid Sussex Vets: 2

OLD Oaks' attack was on song on Saturday with Clive Bick netting five and Stephen Stowell three as Oaks played controlled and skilful hockey.

With Henry Robinson making mazy runs, and David Goodworth and Tim Harvey running the midfield, the Oaks' attack were given plenty of opportunities.

But it was Bick and Stowell, whom the Mid Sussex defence found most difficult to contain. Bick's lightning turn of speed was just too much for them. And Stowell's deft first-time touches were unusually accurate.

Oaks' other goals came from Tim Harvey, who capped a fine game by scoring the first and the last, and skipper Nigel Tozzi.

At the back, Doug Cocker and John Bramwell looked almost leisurely, which could account for the two that were conceded, Girvan's tackling was as tenacious as ever, and Sykes played his usual unflappable game.