STONE Ladies HC firsts kept up their promotion push in the Midland West feeder league with a winning double this week.
The Enson Lane side defeated a robust Towcester side 4-0, then 24 hours later pulled off a matching victory away to Hinckley to move into second spot.
In the first match Stone used their fitness and speed to take the spoils against a more physical Towcester team, and took the lead when newcomer Rachel Lesser and Annie Holmes combined to opening the scoring.
Towcester were keen to chase back play but underestimated the tenacity of Sarah Lamburn and Rachel Scarisbrick in the Stone midfield.
An attacking break by the home side led to Clare Wallace getting the opportunity to make it 2-0.
In the second half Towcester went close but found home keeper Kathryn Fargher in fine form. The Stone response was a third goal from established first teamer Tracey Phillips.
With both teams tiring and time running out Stone continued to monopolise play.
In the closing stages player of the match Lesser kept the ball in play after a half pitch chase and Holmes added the finishing touch.
The following day Stone opened their account in the opening minutes when left defence Taya Millman passed to Beth Jepson, who went on a weaving run up the line, beating several players on the way and slipping the ball to Holmes who netted.
Stone were dominant and after failing to convert a series of short corners, Phillips pounced to make it 2-0.
The Leicestershire side began the second half brightly and Fargher was again brought into action with a first-class save.
Midway through the second period, 14- year-old Rachel Kavanagh-Gregory scored her first goal for Stone, on only her second appearance.
A mazy run by Jepson then led to Stone rounding off the scoring through Vicki Heylings. This weekend Stone ladies travel to Edgbaston in the league.
In the Staffs League Stone seconds went down 3-2 at the hands of West Brom after twice leading. On the mark for Stone were Helen Yorke and Nicole Lockett.
Stone thirds pulled off an excellent 3-1 success against Wolves and Tettenhall thirds to move third in division four.
Youngster Anna Humphreys hit one of the Stone goals, the other two coming from Kate Stewart.
This weekend Stone thirds take on Bloxwich fourths.
