HOCKEY: VAGRANTS staged a rousing second-half comeback to return to winning ways on the Wirral on Saturday.

The Crewe team found themselves trailing 2-0 at the break but kept their cool in a badtempered second period to take maximum points.

Despite a bright start, Vagrants found themselves a goal down inside the first five minutes and a second lapse of concentration soon afterwards was also punished, to leave them with a mountain to climb.

Although they dominated the remainder of the first half with some spirited attacks, they were unable to break down a resolute Bebington back line.

After the turnaround, Bebington almost put the game beyond Vagrants when a free hit whistled wide, but this proved a turning point and the visitors responded with waves of attacks of their own.

The pressure finally told when Dave Holland slotted home a penalty stroke and, after further pressure, Neil Darling equalised five minutes later with a smart finish.

With the home side clearly rattled, Vagrants drove on in search of a winner.

Desperate defending saw the award of another penalty stroke and Holland stepped up to score what proved to be the clincher.

In the 10 minutes remaining, Bebington's frustration started to boil over and two of their players were shown yellow cards as a result. Although this made for a badtempered finish, Vagrants showed good control to hold on for an excellent victory.

They will now be hoping to carry their second-half form into Saturday's home game against Lytham St Annes, ko 1.30pm. Vagrants Seconds edged out Neston South Wirral in a tight North West League Division Four contest at Willaston.

After concerted early pressure, Graham Cooke put Vagrants ahead with a reverse stick shot from the tightest of angles.

Neston fired back and forced a series of nine short corners before e the break but were unable to convert any as the Crewe rearguard of Mike Fowles, Chris Reece, Adam Borrie and Rob Jepson kept them at bay.

Andrew Ticehurst could have extended Vagrants' lead when he missed two one-onones with the goalkeeper, but Cooke established a two-goal cushion when he diverted a short corner into the net.

Neston pulled a goal back 10 minutes from time and then put the Vagrants de-fence under sustained pressure, but they held firm to secure a win which moved them into the top five of the table. Vagrants Thirds made it a winning weekend treble as they saw off Rhyl and District Seconds 4-0, with two goals from Phil Washington and strikes by Steve Douglas and Paddy Leese. This Saturday, the seconds are at home to Timperley, ko noon, while the thirds make the trip in the opposite direction.

Vagrants Ladies, who had no match at the weekend, visit Winnington Park in a North Feeder League fixture on Saturday.