OLD Halesonians HC made sure of a merry Christmas with a 2-0 win at Warwick University.

The victory ensured Old Hales head into the festive break second in the West Midlands Premier.

The breakthrough arrived when Graham Knight fired home the rebound from a penalty corner.

An onslaught early in the second half saw the hosts strike the post, while another attempt was cleared off the line by the combined efforts of Simon Palmer and Ben Hughes.

But again Hales weathered the storm and made the game safe when Chris Hill fired home his fifth goal in as many games.

Frustrations boiled over as Warwick had two players sent off, including their captain after the final whistle, to cap a miserable day.

Old Hales resume their campaign with a showdown against league leaders Hampton-in-Arden on January 12. There was also joy for the seconds who recorded a 3-1 win over Warwick. Harry Hughes hit the post during a frenetic opening period, before Matt Harrold fired the hosts ahead.

Warwick looked to hit back but found the Hales defence in stubborn mood. Charles Palmer then doubled the lead just before half-time.

Chris Hardy increased the breathing space with a third early in the second half, before the visitors claimed a late consolation.

Goals from Gareth Bayley and Damian Shackleton couldn’t save the thirds from a 4-2 defeat against Bournville.

There was better news for the fourths, who rode two Craig Bray goals to a 2-1 win at Worcester.

Jim Gurmin cracked a hat-trick for the fifth XI as they won 4-0 at Droitwich, Fady Jadayal also getting on the scoresheet.

The Ladies lost a thriller 5-4 to Worcester thirds, while the Badgers lost 5-1 to Barford Tigers.