HOCKEYLavant 0 IW 10
TWO players hit hat-tracks as the IW sent out an ominous message to the rest of the league with an emphatic win over Lavant.
Despite the scoreline, the Island initially struggled to break down a resolute Lavant, who held firm for the first part of the half.
However, the IW’s relentless pressure told and Colin Simmonds put the Island in front, lifting the ball over the grounded keeper.
The impressive IW defence stood firm against the Lavant attack, before Simmonds added his second in almost identical circumstances.
Excellent build-up play ended in Simmonds grabbing his hat-trick and Stephen Woodford was next to benefit in the scoring charts, slotting home to make it 4-0.
The second half was almost all the Island, with constant pressure being applied to a disheartened Lavant.
Simmonds added a fourth, Rob Forrest chalked up a strike, and Richard Reynolds prodded home before Woodford grabbed a brace to complete his hat-trick, which included an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net.
Lavant’s cause was not helped when one of their youngsters was sent to the sin bin for the final 15 minutes for persistently questioning the umpires’ decisions.
The IW sit top of their league with a 100 per cent record and a plus-14 goal difference.
This weekend, relegated City of Portsmouth III visit Smallbrook Stadium, starting at noon.