Newport finish on a high, but Drayton hopes hit - hockey round-up

​Newport signed off their 2025-26 Midlands Hockey Division Four West home campaign on a high.

With survival secured several weeks back, the hosts were looking to put on a show against Stratford seconds at Lilleshall in their penultimate game of the season.

Stratford arrived in Shropshire fighting to avoid relegation, but found it tough going in the first half as Newport played some of their best hockey of the campaign.

The hosts took the lead on the 10-minute mark when Ollie Dix picked up a through-ball just over the halfway line and beat the Stratford back line for pace before throwing a dummy and rounding the keeper to finish into an empty net.

It was soon 2-0 after Rob Jervis reacted quickest to turn home from close range following a save from the Stafford goalkeeper.

Newport made it 3-0 before half-time when Tom Lewis added the finishing touch to a flowing move.

Some fine saves from the Stratford keeper denied Newport after the break with the visitors bagging a consolation.

Newport end the season at Sutton Coldfield seconds on Saturday.

It was the Crawford show as Newport’s title-winning second team won 7-0 at North Stafford fourths in Division Seven. Dad Tim netted five times with son Ben scoring twice.

The thirds lost 3-2 Tamworth seconds in Division Eight, but the fourths secured their place in Division Nine for next season with a 2–2 draw against Stafford thirds. Jason Chapman and Oliver Wilson scored.

Newport Ladies

Newport Ladies still have a slim outside chance of gaining promotion from Midlands Four North Central.

​A 2-0 win at home to Sutton Coldfield left Newport sitting third in the table, three-points behind Barton, but eight goals behind on goal difference, with one game of the season remaining.

Newport took control of last Saturday’s game early on. Issy Saxton opened the scoring on 12 minutes and Tobina Laurence added the second before half-time.

The second team hit top form on the road as they eased to a 5-1 success at Finchfield seconds in Division Five West.

Elia Roman struck first for Newport with Shobna Mavji making it 2-0 – both goals following penalty corners.

Sophie Hesbrook added a third before Roman and Violet Mathews rounded off the scoring ​​​​​.

Newport’s thirds lost 7-1 to leaders Bridgnorth.

Market Drayton

​Market Drayton’s Midlands Hockey Division Seven North West promotion hopes took a huge hit as they were edged out by high-flying rivals Wolverhampton &Tettenhall seconds.

Drayton went into the clash knowing a win would secure promotion and led 2-0 through Jesse Thompstone and William Hall. But goalkeeper Alex Barker was sinbinned for 10 minutes after giving away a penalty, flick which the visitors scored before levelling at 2-2.

Jordan Chevins and Nick Cooper found the net for Drayton but the visitors responded both times. And they they took advantage of the extra man after a yellow card to claim a 5-4 win.

Drayton are now fourth in the table with one game remaining – away to Sutton Coldfield on Saturday. They are two points behind second-placed Wolves and one adrift of third-placed Bridgnorth thirds. Wolves and Bridgnorth play each other and both have a better goal difference than Drayton.