LEOMINSTER knocked leaders Marlborough off the top of the West Clubs’ Women’s Hockey League North Division and moved into second place themselves after a 4-3 victory at Bridge Street.

But it was a ding-dong battle with the visitors fighting back on each occasion after Karen Hackley and Sarah Nightingale, twice, put Leominster ahead.

Hackley, however, had the final word with her late strike earning Leominster all the points.

It was a mixed day for Hereford, whose first team were beaten 2-0 at local rivals Newent in Premier 2A.

A slow start for Hereford allowed an early Newent goal and Hereford were pressed back for most of the first-half.

Good defensive work by Jessica Lambert and Ali Preece kept Hereford in the game and Saska Ingham worked tirelessly in attack only for Newent to score a second late on against the run of play.

The city club’s second-string made up for the first team’s loss and maintained their perfect start to the campaign with a crushing 6-1 success against Ross in a Severn 2 county derby.

Good connecting play from Tess Langford, Deri Thomas and Pippa Blandford as well as some solid defending provided an excellent base for Hereford but Lisa Foster stole the show in attack with five goals while the other came from Mary McLeod.

Kington are up to fourth in Premier Two of the South Wales Women’s League after a 5-2 win at Dinefwr.

The border club fell behind early on but hit back when Ruth Smith converted a penalty corner and took the lead when Bev Hyde’s free-hit deflected conveniently to Sarah Betterton.

After the break, Leanne Player and Steph Maine extended the lead before Abi Griffiths rounded off the Kington scoring. Sian Morgan, Amy Chandler and Ruth Alexander defended well for Kington but were unable to prevent a late consolation for the home side.

Presteigne continue to make the pace in Division One after a 6-1 win over Newport 2nd, who were promoted alongside them last season. Jess Goodwin was in lethal form in front of goal, scoring four times while Rita Tomkins and Charlie Morris were also on target.

Presteigne rounded off an excellent weekend by making the long trip to Fishguard and returned with a 3-1 win in the first round of the Welsh Shield.

After a goalless first period, Goodwin put Presteigne ahead and Tomkins restored the advantage after a home equaliser.

With Lesley Phillips in fine form in midfield, a fine late strike by Charlotte Jones clinched Presteigne’s win.