Stevenage Hockey Club have started promotion celebrations early for one of their teams.

The ladies' thirds are heading into Division Three South West of the East League after a 3-0 win over Hertford.

Goals from Alfie Gunther, Hilary Siddall and Holly Manning mean they cannot be caught by third placed Luton Town, the top two going up.

They could yet win the title too. They are two points clear of rivals Welwyn Garden City with both having three games remaining.

The destination of the championship is expected to be confirmed when the unbeaten sides meet at The Nobel School on April 15, the final game of the season.

The first team enjoyed a stunning 2-1 win over third-placed St Albans in Division One South.

Goals from Liz Oliver-Phoenix and Steph Oliver mean the side who were promoted last year will finish mid-table at the higher level.

The seconds lost 4-2 to Division Three South West leaders Bishop's Stortford, Chloe Jones linking up with Holly Portingale and Josie Bygrave to score twice in the last 10 minutes.

The fourths were also beaten by Stortford, 1-0, while the fifths drew 1-1 Berkhamsted & Hemel, Sarah Hoar on target.

Over the men's section, Stevenage hung on at home to claim victory in an 11-goal thriller thanks to a superb first half.

They had led 4-0 at the break but Hertford fought back in the second period, the game finished 6-5 to the hosts.

Niall Trimble got three, Mike Oliver two and Aiden Parker one.

The seconds had a day to forget as they were beaten 8-0 at St Albans while the thirds also lost, 2-0 at home to Southgate Tankards.