HORWICH Hockey Club ladies' first team clinched promotion as champions at the weekend.

They will be playing in Greater Manchester Hockey League Division One next season after three promotions in the four years since they were formed.

Horwich knew they needed a win or a draw against Didsbury Northern ladies' fourth team to win the title and seal back-to-back promotions.

And they did it in style, with a 2-0 away victory secured with a goal in each half.

The first came on 18 minutes when Helen Roocroft passed to Heather Glynn who scored from a tight angle.

Player-of-the-day Zoe Searson was unlucky not to add a second in the second half before Aimee Gilmore doubled the lead when she tapped in a cross from Lara King.

Horwich men's first team went down 3-1 to top-of-the-table Formby second team, Andy Barr slotting home Tim Hayward's pass in the second half with his side already 3-0 behind.

Horwich men's second team drew 1-1 at home to Kirkby Lonsdale second team.

A fine performance against the team second in the table saw Horwich in control for the first 20 minutes and take the lead following a great move involving Mo Rashid and Jamie Barry and finishing with Dave Cheetham coolly slotting past the keeper.

The Horwich defence had to be resolute under pressure in the second half with man-of-the-match Dale Sharkey defending impressively, Rob Brewer defiant in midfield and Graeme Kilshaw pulling off some good saves.

But the hosts eventually gave way when a shot went through a crowded area and in off Kilshaw’s glove.