MARCH Hockey Club s men s teams will be looking forward to the new season if they can continue their pre-season friendly form. Both March II and March III were in action at the weekend and the teams were unbeaten in their friendly fixtures. March II got o

MARCH Hockey Club's men's teams will be looking forward to the new season if they can continue their pre-season friendly form.

Both March II and March III were in action at the weekend and the teams were unbeaten in their friendly fixtures.

March II got off to a sluggish start at home to Northampton Saints III, conceding a goal on two minutes, and despite levelling the scores through Jody Betts' flick, the visitors opened up a 3-1 lead at the break.

The March team pushed forward in the second half and their efforts were rewarded with a goal from Jody Betts and an equaliser from Rob Mitchell.

With five minutes remaining, Northampton grabbed a fourth goal from a quick break but March hit back with a penalty stroke from hat-trick hero Betts after he was pulled back by a defender.

March III were more impressive in their game at Northampton Saints IV and they were able to celebrate a

3-2 win.

The young March team got off to a flying start and went 2-0 up thanks to goals from Jake Miller and Adam Triggs.

Saints began to improve and a goal either side of the break put them back on level terms but March were not to be denied. Triggs netted his second and the match-winner.

The March ladies' teams were also in friendly action at the weekend and they enjoyed mixed fortunes.

The ladies' first team produced an excellent performance on Saturday to beat Sandy 4-1, largely thanks to a fine hat-trick from skipper Lauren Oakman.

There were outstanding performances from player of the match Robyn Gribble, Katie Rodger, Liz Lambert and Verity Allen during the first half and March took a two-goal lead in to the break thanks to a brace from Oakman.

Cara Verlander's strike extended the March lead before Sandy pulled a goal back but Oakman rounded off a good day's work with her hat-trick goal.

The news was not so good for March Ladies III in their 2-0 home defeat against Pelicans III but there were encouraging performances in the inexperienced March team.

A goal in each half was enough to give the visitors the win, but March battled hard and player of the match and 'keeper Kelly Bird produced some crucial saves.