Win over arch-rivals

ALBION Park RSL returned to form with a morale-boosting 4-2 win over arch-rivals Wests in Illawarra hockey at the Croom Road complex on Sunday.

Wests, runaway competition leaders, went into the game without topliners Matt Wark, John Bessell and Cody Tribe and Albion Park took advantage.

It was just the performance skipper Steve Mayo was searching for after a disappointing draw with University.

The win also consolidated Park's second place on the ladder and kept alive hope of bridging the gap to Wests.

Park had the upper hand in general play from the outset but suffered an early setback when Wests broke away from a failed Albion Park short corner piece. Paul Burns finished off a neat passing interchange to give Wests the early lead.

Albion Park replied almost immediately with a short corner play.

Rhys Gray slammed home a solid strike to even the score.

Albion Park took the lead soon after from another short corner. The initial attempt was saved by goalkeeper Matt Perry but Matt Eastham was on hand with a neat backstick shot.

Wests were back on terms when Josh Lambert converted a rebound after a fine save by Mitch Zantis.

Park still looked to have the better of play and it wasn't long before Brad Martin slotted a short corner rebound to regain the advantage.

Martin then finished off the win in fine style by slamming home a powerful shot inside the last 10 minutes.

Mayo, Gray, Zantis, Jason Kast and Tom Gillard were all impressive in a good team performance ahead of next weekend's double header, which will pit Albion Park against Mittagong on Friday night and Bowral on Sunday.

Second grade also played Wests and had to come from behind to record a 2-1 win.

Jason Collet evened the score just before half time while a great goal from Craig Bramble midway through the second half secured the points.

Third grade looked in control throughout their clash with Wests. Ryan Elliot opened the scoring and a double from Damian Jones ensured a 3-1 win.

Fours suffered a setback with 2-1 loss to Wests. Park had their chances but, apart from Keith Eastham's goal, couldn't convert their opportunities.

Fifth grade sides, Park Green and Park White, matched up on Friday night with the competition-leading Greens emerging on top 5-0.

Whites hit back on Sunday when they scored a 5-0 win over Cavaliers, Gary Pullen and Mark Lyons both grabbing doubles and Rob Andrusiow adding the fifth.

Park Green continued on their winning way, with a 4-0 win over Wests on Sunday.