FIRST place in the league still belongs to Deeside Ramblers following their difficult 3-2 win at Stockton.

Geoff Price's drag-flicked penalty corner put the Cheshire side in front but Stockton equalised.

Price's next effort was saved illegally and a penalty stroke was awarded that Hedley Pollard duly converted.

Stockton again equalised but with five minutes to go Matty Allen gave Deeside the points despite being felled. He had to be helped from the field.

Deeside thirds travelled to Manchester Trinity and won another close game 5-4.

Phil Brown had his scoring stick with him as he scored two for Deeside as did Adrian Tickridge-Day.

The other goal came from Tim Diggle. Josh Guy also featured in his third team debut before playing his first game for Great Britain this weekend.

The fifth team won at Bebington 4-2 as Peter Cope and

Arthur Fernall both bagged braces. Deeside sixths annihilated Northop Hall 9-1 with goals from Ian Forster, Jimmy Guest, Steve Williams, Richard Jones and Nick Worrall who scored five.

Guy Fennell scored three and Jamie Allen one as Deeside sevenths claimed a 4-2 victory over Lymm.