[img_assist|nid=6260|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=68|height=100]LONDON, October 6 – A draw against Bowdon Hightown was just enough for Surbiton to cling to the lead in the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
The point they earned from their 1-1 final scoreline leaves them top on goal difference, Amy Bryant giving them the lead before Sally Walton pulled Bowdon back level.
But Canterbury are breathing down their neck in second spot, level on points with Surbiton following their 2-1 win over Leicester at Polo Farm.
Sarah Kerly gave Canterbury the lead on 40 minutes, and although Jo Hunter equalised for Leicester Eliza Brett secured the points on 64 minutes, again from a penalty corner.
Jane Sixsmith scored early in the first half and Vicky Woolford added another six minutes into the second period to help Sutton Coldfield secure a 2-0 win over hosts Clifton.
University of Birmingham ran out 2-1 winners from their home match against Slough.
The Berkshire visitors took the lead with Laura Puddle scoring from a penalty corner routine on 11 minutes, but the hosts hit back shortly before half time with Alice Sharp scoring on 26 minutes before Emily Defroand scored the winner five minutes after the break.
Meanwhile, Olton and West Warwickshire secured their first points of the season when they beat Reading 1-0, Mandy Gatherer scoring early in the second half.
In the Investec Conference West, Buckingham maintained their perfect start to the season with a 3-0 win at Barnes Hounslow Ealing, Jessica Bloom, Elspeth Cockburn and Katrina Nicholson scoring their goals.
Gloucester City lost pace with the leaders when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Swansea City.
In the Investec Conference North, three goals in the final five minutes help leaders University of Durham secure a 4-0 win over hosts Doncaster at Town Fields as they maintained their perfect start to the season.
Second-placed Beeston ran out 5-1 winners over third-placed Brooklands Poynton. Hannah Wraith and Sophie Robinson scoring two goals each, while Cath McComb added the other.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (October 6 2012)
Investec Women’s Premier Division: Canterbury 2, Leicester 1; Clifton 0, Sutton Coldfield 2; Reading 0, Olton & West Warwicks 1; Surbiton 1, Bowdon 1; University of Birmingham 2, Slough 1.
Investec Women’s Conference East: Chelmsford 2, Oxford Hawks 2; Harleston Magpies 0, Ipswich 0; Horsham 1, Bromley and Beckenham 0; Old Loughtonians 1, St. Albans 1; Sevenoaks 2, Wimbledon 2.
Investec Women’s Conference North: Beeston 5, Brooklands Poynton 1; Ben Rhydding 2, Cannock 2; Doncaster 0, University of Durham 4; Liverpool Sefton 0, Whitley Bay and Tynemouth 2; Loughborough Students 1, Wakefield 1.
Investec Women’s Conference West: Barnes 0, Buckingham 3; Bristol Firebrands 2, Isca 2; Staines 0, Trojans 5; Swansea City 1, Gloucester City 1; Taunton Vale 0, Stourport 3.
