A SURPRISE defeat for Bury men’s first team was the only blot on the copybook last weekend as the hockey club claimed three wins from four league matches.

Bolton firsts, who are second bottom and fighting against relegation, ended home side Bury’s run of five straight victories in Division Three North of the North West Men’s League.

The visitors took the lead through a first-half counter attack and while Bury quickly levelled through Matthew Birch, they were unable to add to their tally and conceded a winner two minutes from time. The result saw Bury drop to seventh.

The men’s second team continued their good run, winning 2-0 at Urmston.

Matthew Cooke converted at the near post to open the scoring for Bury early on and while the visitors had to wait until deep into the second half to double their advantage skipper Adam Johnson’s strike was enough to see off the Urmston challenge.

An eighth match without defeat kept them second in Division Six North South.

Bury ladies’ first team continues to go from strength to strength at the top of Division Two in the Greater Manchester Women’s Association. Stockport Bramhall put up stern resistance in a goalless first half, but once Kate Gledhill broke the deadlock the floodgates opened. Gledhill led the way with a hat-trick, while top scorer Beth Topping weighed in with a brace and there were further strikes from Abby Barber and vice-captain Kerry Cameron in the 7-0 win.

There was also good news for the ladies’ second team, who moved out of the Division Two relegation zone with a 1-0 win at home to Bolton seconds.

Helen Beard scored the game’s only goal in the first half, finishing off a counter attack after Sophie Foreman’s shot rebounded back off the post.

The victory helped Bury move above Manchester Moss Park ladies’ seconds, although they are just a point behind with a game in hand.

The girls’ under-15s entered two teams into the Manchester Junior League tournament. The first team won three and lost one, while the second team won two and lost two.

Meanwhile, Bury’s mixed team lost 7-1 at home to Northern League Premier Division side Formby in their first ever tie in the England Hockey Mixed Trophy tournament.

James Larmett briefly gave Bury hope after reducing the deficit to 2-1 midway through the opening half, but Formby utilised their set-pieces to devastating effect, scoring five of their seven goals from short corners.

Bury now drop into the Mixed Plate competition, with the possibility of facing some National Premier League sides.