OLD Halesonians came unstuck when they surrendered a 3-2 lead and finally lost out 6-3 to second-placed Hampton in Arden in the West Midland Hockey League division one.

Three times Hales took the lead, but they were finally forced to submit against Hampton’s precise penalty corner routine.

Hales made an excellent start when Tom Bulteel fired them into an early lead but Hampton soon hit back with a well worked move that was fired past goalkeeper Aiden Lockyer.

Determined Hales hit back when Harry Hughes put Hampton’s centre-back under extreme pressure.

His efforts paid off as Hughes robbed the flailing defender and slotted home.

Hampton hit back to level with a penalty corner to make the score 2-2 at half-time, which would have been worse for Hales but debut defender Cole Hickman produced some dramatic goal-line clearances.

Hales made a positive start to the second half and took the lead for the third time in the game when Charles Palmer converted from close range.

Hampton stepped up the pace from this point and began to pile on the pressure, with their sole ploy simply playing for their impressive set-piece routines.

Their tactic paid off handsomely and they drew level again at 3-3, although their initial drag flick was fired against the crossbar and fell invitingly back into play, from which they scored.

Hampton continued to win penalty corners almost at will as they fired home three more times.

This Saturday, Hales play hosts to Kings Heath, a team they put 10 goals past in the first half of the season. Play starts at 1.30pm at Ormiston Forge Academy.

Elsewhere, Hales Seconds pulled off a 2-1 win over North Staffs, while the Thirds enjoyed a 2-1 win at home to Shrewsbury.

The Fourth also tasted success, coming out 2-0 on top at North Staffs.

Hales Ladies weren’t so lucky after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat at Harborne, while the Ladies’ second string also lost out, 3-0 at Harborne.