Solid start for the men's 5ths

Following last seasons highly successful campaign, Leek found themselves with an unfamiliar line up for their first league outing.

A combination of injuries, unavailabilities and player promotions in association with England Hockeys moves to create a new Summer sport saw only a handful of last years side take the field.

This was exacerbated when the valiant Burnett was forced out out the early on with a recurrent knee injury. Leek adapted well, however , creating a number of chances for Heath, Cook and Birch in quick succession only to be thwarted by a stellar goalkeeping display.

Telford came into the game as the half progressed but there attacks foundered on the rocks of Plant, Scriven and the evergreen Vincent, belying his dodgy hearing and 66 year old lungs with an energetic display.

The second half looked to be a repeat of the first, with Birch going close on several occasion, backed up by the youth and energy of Brooks and Heath.

When Leek did take the lead, it was not pretty. A bulldozing, belligerent run from Cook saw a comb8nation of Heath, Cook and Vincent force the ball over the line for a push over score.

As legs started to tire, and Leek began to wilt, Telford looked as though they may rake a share of the points. However, Leek held firm with the defence ably marshalled by Callum Plant to achieve a deserved 3 points and a clean sheet to boot.

Leek now travel to Tamworth, home of the lesser spotted Big Pidge, hopeful for another 3 points.