Thetford Ladies' 3-1 hockey win over UEA II was not the prettiest or most skilful of games, but it proved effective as it helped them claw their way towards the top of the table.

Thetford Ladies' 3-1 hockey win over UEA II was not the prettiest or most skilful of games, but it proved effective as it helped them claw their way towards the top of the table.

UEA II came with 10 players, giving Thetford even more of an advantage on their home surface, although UEA made them work for everything and Thetford never appeared comfortable in the lead.

Thetford began their attack early, turning up the pressure for UEA's defence. Kathy Hammond opened the scoring. The ball was powered into the D, Hammond made her first attempt, which was saved, and then she tapped it home.

The second came from a sweet shot on target from Dawn Heavey from a short corner. UEA retaliated with some fine breakaway runs, thwarted in the main by Sophie Kelly, Chris Church and goalkeeper Jess Rundle, who put in a spectacular performance.

UEA scored their one goal before half-time, making it 2-1.

Thetford looked a little more comfortable in the second half, with some excellent passing and good runs down the right from Tracey Newman and Karen Hodgkinson.

Heavey put the third one in for Thetford in open play with a strike that bounced into goal.

Rudling Wakelam player of the match: Tracey Newman.