Hockey: East London men into final

East London’s men booked a place in the final of the national cup with a shoot-out win over Cronkbourne on Sunday.

They began well and Jonathan Ogle went close at short corners, before Craig Spencer set up John Lyness to deflect home.

East were reduced to nine men after the restart, but dogged defending protected their lead and Elliott Bingham made a stunning save.

Cronkbourne got back on terms, though, and despite excellent play by Harry Finster and Simon Jackson, East London could not find a winner.

Goalkeeper Freddie Goddard held his nerve during the penalty flicks, however, and Gurmukh Panesar coolly slotted home the decisive effort in a 4-2 win to set up a meeting with Blackheath at Lee Valley Hockey & Tennis Centre on May 7.

The men’s sevenths won 5-4 at Witham fourths, despite travelling without a recognised keeper.

George Clift, Lewis Clayton, James Frankland, Alex De Bacci and Matt Bennett were all on target as they ended the Division Seven South East season with a win against every other opponent.

The women’s fifths hit Maldon for six as Courtney O’Connor’s hat-trick led the way in a 6-0 victory.

Camilla Marcus-Drew added a double, with Fiona Isacsson completing the tally.

The sixth team had a double-header, beating Upminster fourths 7-1 on Saturday.

Lizzie Burch scored four times, as Jo Wicks, Hannah McDermid and Sophie Williams also netted and Kim Wan took the man of the match award.

Sunday saw them visit Brentwood fourths and, despite playing with a kicking-back in the absence of a keeper, they saw Belinda Le Mesurier and McDermid on target in a 2-0 win.