Promotion is within Khalsa’s grasp

They were made to battle for their success on Saturday, however, fighting back from a 2-1 half-time deficit to beat hosts Edgbaston 5-3.

Gury Ghattuara opened the scoring for Khalsa, but two quick-fire goal from Edgbaston just before the break led to harsh words from player-coach Scott Cordon at the interval.

The former Great Britain international led by example by producing a stunning run five minutes into the second period which saw him beat six men before coolly drawing the keeper to bring his side level.

Ghattuara added his second of the game, pouncing on a rebound after Jas Singh’s shot had been well saved, before making it 4-2 following good work from Surinder Saini.

Edgbaston halved the deficit to make for a nervy final few minutes, but Khalsa had the final say when Dharminder Hundal scored with seconds remaining.

Khalsa showed no signs of tiredness the following day with a 4-0 success at Rugby which featured arguably their best hockey of the season.

Sean Robinson put Khalsa 1-0 up inside five minutes and the visitors quickly doubled their advantage when Dharminder Hundal rounded the keeper and flicked the ball into the roof of the net after being put clean through by Jas Singh.

Ghattuara added a third, but despite Khalsa creating numerous chances in the second period, they were only able to add one more goal.

Man-of-the-match Jay Nagra created it, with Ghattuara slotting home for his eighth goal in three games.

Leamington Ladies’ 1sts strengthened their hold on second in Midlands Division Two with a 5-1 thrashing of struggling Barton.

First-half goals from Kerry Luckett and Ellie Lewis put Leamington in command before further strikes from Luckett and a Lydia Higman brace wrapped up a comfortable win.

Leamington Ladies’ 2nds fought back to draw with promotion rivals Olton in a rearranged Warwickshire Division Two encounter.

Leamington looked sluggish in the first period after an early push-back and trailed 2-0 at the break.

However, a much-improved second-half display was rewarded with goals from Nic Williams and Olivia Northover to leave Leamington locked on the same number of points as their second-placed visitors with a game in hand.

The ladies’ 3rds remain top of Warwickshire Division Four after beating their fourth string 4-0.

Kerry Jones and Debbie Burton scored two goals apiece to give the senior side victory.

Leamington Men’s 2nds remain in the promotion mix in West Midlands Division Two after a 6-2 win at mid-table Barlaston.

Striker Tim Briscoe scored a hat-trick, with Lee Foster (2) and Matt Wright completing the scoring

Leamington Men’s 3rds overcame the injury loss of central midfielder Jimmy Falconer to beat Derwent 5-0.

Falconer’s absence reduced Leamington to ten men, but despite being short-handed, they still proved too strong for their visitors, with goals coming from Jon Kiteley (2), Ed Pethick, Gary Hastings and Nick Solman.