COLCHESTER 4

EAST LONDON III 1

East Men's Hockey League division three south east

CRAIG Handford hit a hat-trick as Colchester's men continued their encouraging start to the season.

Ben Parker, who skippered the side, was also on target in their comprehensive victory over East London III, at the Garrison.

The win leaves Colchester in third place in the division three south east table, with four matches gone.

Colchester captain Simon Pearson-Burton, who was unavailable for the game, said: "We're obviously delighted with the win - the guys put in a great performance.

"The squad has been working hard and continually improving - hopefully the results will also continue to go our way.

"We always knew that the game was going to be tough but we went in with a very clear game plan and it paid off.

"We have been scoring quite a few goals each game but also conceding quite a few to so it was good to see the drills in training coming off."

Colchester will be aiming to continue their impressive form this weekend when they travel to play mid-table side Wapping V.

"The team is quite buoyed up at the moment, it's always nice to win but we are also pleased with the style of hockey we are playing," added Pearson-Burton.

"It's still very early in the season - with Chelmsford three points ahead at the top and then ourselves and two other teams on nine points each I don't think anyone is in a dominating position.

"Selection is always tough for any team be it with injury or work commitments but we're lucky to have a good-sized squad and everyone has stepped up when required."