Helen Barratt s hat-trick helped Letchworth Ladies come out on top in an eight-goal thriller against Old Loughtonians seconds in the East Premier League. In a fast and furious opening spell, Letchworth got off to a dream start with the first of Barratt s

Helen Barratt's hat-trick helped Letchworth Ladies come out on top in an eight-goal thriller against Old Loughtonians seconds in the East Premier League.

In a fast and furious opening spell, Letchworth got off to a dream start with the first of Barratt's goals, from a penalty corner, after just three minutes.

And they could have been two or three up before the Essex side equalised just three minutes later!

Barratt restored Letchworth's lead after 10 minutes from another penalty corner but despite plenty of good attacking play by both sides, neither could find the net again before half time.

Three goals in seven minutes from Letchworth midway through the second half set the Whitethorn Lane side up for a runaway victory.

The first, a penalty flick from Amanda Wood after 58 minutes, was followed by Barratt's third just two minutes later, with Wood notching her second five minutes later for a 5-1 lead.

However, with both teams tiring in the pouring rain, the visitors notched two goals in the closing minutes for a 5-3 scoreline which did not reflect Letchworth's attacking dominance.

Letchworth travel to runaway league leaders Holcombe this Saturday.

The thirds played old rivals St Albans at home and won 4-2.

The first half was closely fought with Letchworth narrowly leading 2-1.

Letchworth totally dominated the second half to win 4-2 including a memorable short corner converted by the team's youngest player Ashleigh Godfrey.

Other goals came from Jo Pinn and Sue Saunders (two).

Other scores: Letchworth Ladies II 1 (Jenny Stroomer) Berkhamsted 0; Letchworth Ladies IV 0 Hertford III 4.

Stevenage Ladies remained second in the East League Division Two (Central) with another 1-1 draw, this time against Welwyn Garden City.

The match opened with Stevenage having a slight upper hand on possession and creating chances.

Endless battling by player of the match Holly Mould and defender Becky Fenwick kept Stevenage in a strong position.

Several attacks resulted in Welwyn players being warned and sent off the pitch to give Stevenage opportunities to pressure the goalkeeper who was forced to make some excellent saves.

The Stevenage goal came minutes before the final whistle, with a succession of midfield passes on to the stick of Heather Hemmings who scorched the backboard.

Welwyn came straight back with a scrappy goal for the equaliser, moments before the end.

Other scores: Stevenage II 1 (Gemma Wickham) Cheshunt 2; Stevenage Ladies III 0 Saffron Walden II 13; Stevenage Ladies IV 2 Royston III 0; Stevenage Ladies V 0 Blueharts III 7.

The second team of Blueharts Ladies won 7-1 in Milton Keynes against fourth placed Enigma in the Five Counties League.

The Blues took the lead after five minutes with a cracking strike from Sharon Martin.

Two short corner routines were perfectly executed and finished off by player of the match Susie Powell and a second for Martin made it four by the break.

Enigma grabbed a consolation goal before two great goals from Emily Guyton and a simple one for Gina Joseph.

The third team enjoyed a return to their scoring ways with a 7-0 win against Stevenage at home.

Player of the match Anna Mastropierro claimed two goals, Helen Woolley scored just before the break, Kate Deller converted a penalty corner after the break, followed by a well-taken Hannah Ross goal. Amy Belletty finished off with a brace.