Newmarket Hockey Club's men's first team put some daylight between themselves and relegation zone

Newmarket picked up a crucial three points in the fight for East Men’s League Division 2 North East survival thanks to a 5-2 home win over North Norfolk on Saturday.

Hosting Newmarket went into the encounter a trio of points clear of their opponents, who occupy the final relegation spot.

However, the gap has now swollen to six points ahead of Saturday’s trip to bottom-of-the-table Norwich Dragons II (2.30pm).

Against North Norfolk, Newmarket got off to the worst possible start when they conceded the game’s opening goal inside the opening 60 seconds.

But Newmarket soon gained control of proceedings and they eventually broke the visitors’ resistance with three quick-fire goals five minutes before the break courtesy of Josh Dawson (2) and Dylan Hardy.

North Norfolk started the second half on the front foot and were rewarded with a second goal, but Newmarket relieved the mounting pressure when Will Wilson dispatched a penalty flick.

And with time ticking away Ollie Wade made sure of the outcome by firing in a fifth goal.

Elsewhere, Newmarket II remain in the East Men’s League Division 4 North West promotion hunt after winning 3-1 against Norwich City V.

Newmarket opened the scoring through Alex Aitkin’s solo effort, with the lead being doubled early in the second half by Alex Andreou’s powerful shot.

City went on to half the deficit, but with time running out Toby Gould secured all three points for Newmarket with a third goal from close range.

In the East Men’s League Division 5 North East (South), Newmarket III recorded a 4-1 win from their derby away at Bury St Edmunds VII.

It took Newmarket a little while to find their rhythm, but once they did Jack Baker slotted in the game’s opening goal.

Further goals followed from Peter Booth, Matt Parsons and Hugh Griffiths, while Matt Fordham notched a consolation for Bury.

Meanwhile, Newmarket moved to within a point of the East Women’s League Division 2 North West promotion places following a 3-0 victory over Long Sutton.

Newmarket found Long Sutton’s England goalkeeper Lorraine Wallis in fine form, but eventually the pressure told with Jess Griffiths putting away a well deserved hat-trick.

Fourth-placed Newmarket will travel to face St Ives, who are two places and three points ahead of them, on Saturday (12.30pm).

East Women’s League Division 4 North West leaders Newmarket II recorded a 3-0 win from Saturday’s short trip to Ely City II.

Goals via Jess Malings, Katie Barrett and Emily Sargeant secured the victory for Newmarket, who are now five points clear at the summit.

* Newmarket Hockey Club took 10 junior sides to a tournament at Cambridge South on Sunday.

The day featured games for ages from Under-8 to Under-14, with the club’s junior lead Vicky Benedikz proud at how the club’s youngsters conducted themselves.

Anyone interested in joining the junior section, which now has more than 100 members, can email newmarkethcjuniors@gmail.com for more information.