South Premier League

Ashford 1 Purley Walcountians 5

PURLEY Walcountians ended their six-match winless run by thrashing relegation-stricken Ashford last Saturday.

With the Middlesex side rooted to the basement of the South Premier table, PWs gave a sensational first half performance to take a 5-0 lead into the interval.

A brace from Alex Mowat – including a penalty stroke – as well as two goals from Ed Brown and a fine finish from skipper Lachlan Fincher banished the blues after a run of just four points from a possible 18.

With the game as good as won, the second half lacked the intensity of the first, and Ashford pulled a goal back after PWs had two players yellow carded.

Mowat had a chance to complete his hat-trick – and extend his lead as the league's top goal scorer – but missed from the penalty spot, while PWs went close on a number of other occasions.

Purley are now seventh in the 12-club league and a similar run of results after Christmas should ensure a mid-table finish.

Purley's 3rd XI lost 3-2 in a friendly against Thames Valley, and the 4th XI recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Croydon.

To get into competitive hockey again, visit www.pwhc.co.uk