Harleston Magpies battled back from behind to take the spoils with a 2-1 win over Poynton in their opening English Women's Hockey League Division One match.

Harleston Magpies battled back from behind to take the spoils with a 2-1 win over Poynton in their opening English Women's Hockey League Division One match. “It was a gutsy performance, but the players will know they have to improve their defending,” said team manager Nick McAllen. Poynton took the lead on 32 minutes when Magpies' defenders were outnumbered in a counter-attack and Cath Linaker made no mistake in front of an open goal. Magpies' work rate never faltered in the second half as they battled away against a Poynton side that was not easy to break down. Angie Wheelhouse equalised on 53 minutes and then, with nine minutes to go, Anna Truman and Artemis Clark combined and Jess Bloom arrived at the far post to score what proved the winner.

Poynton came back strongly and opened up the Magpies defence on two occasions, only two tremendous saves by keeper Lucy Hayman ensuring they hung on to three precious points.

Wisbech Town head the East Women's Hockey League Premier Division after recording their second successive win, by 2-1 against Bromley & Beckenham.

Norwich Union beat Norwich City 6-1 and top Division One North on goal difference from Bourne and St Ives.

City, for whom Beth Flatt scored, are third from bottom, just above Lowestoft Ladies, who lost 2-1 at Dereham.

Steph Savage was player of the match for Dereham, who led through a Chrissie Maccrimmon short corner strike at half-time.

Rachel Fisher made it 2-0 before Lowestoft scored their consolation goal.

Watton are fifth after beating Bury St Edmunds 3-2 despite missing several regulars.

They trailed 1-0 at the break, but hit back with goals from Sam Jeffrey, Lauren Eyles and Alex Glading.

Bury netted again, but keeper Ceri David produced several fine saves to prevent them equalising.

Sarah Pruden scored twice, with Kerry Holl and Lou White also on target, as Evergreens beat Harleston Magpies Colts A 4-0 in the Martin & Acock Norfolk Women's Hockey League Premier Division.

Magpies' young team produced some good hockey at times, but were kept at bay by Evergreens' defence of Laura Heslin, Tracy Dalglish and Holl, along with Tash Bates, playing in goal for the first time because of player availability problems.

Tracey Buxton scored both their goals as a weakened Broadland, trailing 4-0 within 15 minutes, eventually lost 7-2 to Norwich City II.

Amy Butler hit a hat-trick, with Paula Kent also on target, as Sprowston won 4-0 against Pelicans II.

Grace Mitchell was player of the match for Watton II, who missed chances in a 4-0 defeat by North Walsham. Victorial Matthews, captain Nikki Batch, Frankie Howard and Louise Catling were the Walsham goal scorers.

Strikes from Helen Ogden, Denise O'Callaghan and Sandra Gates earned North Walsham II a 3-1 win over Watton Colts in Division One.

Gail Dyer scored for Watton, whose player of the match was keeper Laura Sellers. New players Catherine Ashby and Jessica Taylor-Balls both put in good team efforts for Watton.

Reepham produced some quality hockey in a 5-1 defeat of Harleston IV, for whom Mel Beevor replied in an encouraging display despite the scoreline.

Katie Hill scored all five Reepham goals.

Denver produced an excellent all-round performance to beat Dereham Colts 6-1. Bec Thorpe hit her second successive hat-trick, with Laura Shreeve (2) and Teresa Grant also on target.

Sprowston II beat Pelicans III 4-2 in Division Two, with Paula Kent and Mel Tuckwell sharing their goals.

Broadland II dominated much of their Division Three game against Norwich Union IV, but had to settle for a 1-1 (Emma Grovenor) draw.

Dereham Colts II beat Diss 4-1, with Emily Crisp, Hannah Dewing, Sarah Gibb and Jackie Taylor their scorers.