Buckingham, University of Birmingham and Wimbledon all picked up first wins of the season in the Vitality Women’s Premier Division on Saturday.
Zak Jones’ Buckingham claimed their first victory to move them second in the table behind Hampstead & Westminster, who continue to set the pace.
Jo Day’s field goal shortly before half-time was enough to see Buckingham beat Loughborough Students, with the university side playing their first game since the sad death of coach Andy Gibson.
The win extends their unbeaten run so far this season to three following two draws in their opening fixtures.
With Surbiton and East Grinstead in EuroHockey League action, Hampstead & Westminster strengthened their lead at the top of the table with a 3-1 win against Clifton Robinsons.
Lauren Turner scored for a third game in a row to give Hampstead the lead with a penalty stroke in the 45th minute. Esme Burge added to their advantage six minutes later before Sarah Robertson’s second goal of the season secured a third successive win. Holly Munro scored with the last touch of the match for Clifton.
The University of Birmingham were also victors for the first time as they beat Swansea 4-2.
Sara Davies fired the Welsh side ahead in just the third minute before Lillie Walker levelled proceedings shortly before half-time.
Birmingham then scored three goals in 11 minutes through Millie Atwell, Carter Ayars and Becky Manton to establish a clear advantage which Swansea couldn’t overturn, despite Rebecca Treharne scoring in the 55th minute.
Wimbledon earned themselves a maiden win as they beat Holcombe 2-0 in the driving rain in south-west London.
Eliza Brett caught the visitors cold in the second minute before Lucy Holder added a second midway through the second half to secure the points.
