DEESIDE Ramblers missed out on their first chance to clinch the Conference North title on Sunday after they suffered a shock 3-0 loss away to University of Durham.

The defeat came one day after the side beat Sheffield University Bankers 5-3 to put them on the brink of clinching first spot. Trevor Merrick opened the scoring before doubles from Ali Ghazanfar and Ibrar Latif sealed the victory.

Deeside still lead the division by eight points with three games to go and could wrap up the league on Sunday when they play host to second-placed Sheffield Hallam Civica, knowing a draw would be enough.

A great team effort for Deeside Ramblers Ladies produced a 1-0 victory against Preston, only their second win in the North Women’s Hockey Premier Division.

Pressure was applied to Preston's defence which eventually paid off with a goal from Rachel Dathan, sweeping the ball in to score following an excellent piece of attacking play down the right side of the pitch.

Excellent goalkeeping by Nicky Capes and a crucial clearance off the line by Su Baird sealed the win, but the side still remain the relegation zone.

The ladies face Springfields on Saturday and a rearranged match against Harrogate on Sunday.

The U18s are through to the semi-final of the England Plate after they brushed aside Sutton Coldfield 5-2.

Goals came from Martyn Lear, a Matt Harle hat-trick of drag flicks and a deflection from Alex Colquhoun via Harle’s drag flick.

Deeside are now in the National finals at Beeston HC on April 10 and 11, the second National final for these boys in the last three years.

Deeside 2nd XI outfought Chester 2nd XI 4-2 with goals from Derek Millard Smith, a Jeff Price brace and Jerry Roger.

They then played Brooklands and Phil Winward chalked up the side’s 100th goal of their Division Two campaign with his hat-trick. Ed Peel also got on the scoresheet.

Deeside’s 3rd XI recorded a firm 3-0 away victory to Mossley Hill to clinch promotion in theNorth West Hockey League Division Three. Phil Johnson, Ed Lowe and Kieran Harris got on the scoresheet.

Deeside’s 7th XI earned a 4-1 victory despite being down to eight players in the last quarter.

Jordan Brown opened the scoring before a Warwick Platt double and Jack Hill wrapped up the win,