It’s not often the top flight notches a scoreless draw, but both England Hockey Premier Divisions recorded the feat at the weekend, as goals continued apace elsewhere.
Oxted and University of Nottingham finished 0-0 for the first Men’s Premier Division goalless draw for four years.
Meanwhile, Reading lifted themselves from the foot of the Women’s Premier Division table when they played out a 0-0 draw against Holcombe. It was the first by that scoreline since October 2020.
The point saw Reading go above Buckingham, who have now lost their opening four games after a 6-1 defeat to Surbiton, who now top both Premier Divisions.
Brett Garrard’s side held on to their three-point lead at the top in a game which saw several debutants.
Jessica Dyson, celebrating her 18th birthday, scored in the 21st minute on her senior debut before Alice Wills slotted home. Sabbie Heesh was beaten for the first time in nearly 300 minutes, while elsewhere Sophie Hamilton continued her goal-per-game record this season as the champions raced away to victory.
Clifton Robinsons went second courtesy of their win at Beeston, while Wimbledon slipped to third after a 2-2 draw at University of Birmingham.
In the Men’s Premier Division, Surbiton held on, 4-3, at Brooklands Manchester University to go top, largely thanks to a Gareth Furlong double.
Sam Ward also scored a brace as champions Old Georgians won on the road at Beeston, while Wimbledon continued their home record over University of Exeter, with a 4-1 win.
