Scorer(s): J Machin, A Wilkes

Having remained unbeaten since the start of the season, Cannock Hockey Club's Badgers 'A' team faced North Staffs Hockey Club on Saturday. It was to become their hardest test so far.

Cannock again fielded a team made up entirely of 10 to 15 year-olds, with no adults taking to the pitch to assist, a yet were facing a team including four seniors for most of the game.

Cannock took the lead mid-way through the first half when a goalmouth melee resulted in a goal from Jonny Machin.

The youngsters battled well, without producing the standard of hockey that regular spectators have been used to. The dribbling skills of Arjan Chana were dazzling as he ran rings around the visitors, including a ball pulled back to the goalscorer Machin, who put the ball into the net, only to have it disallowed.

In the second half, North Staffs increased the pressure and could have scored on a couple of occasions. Cannock, however, added a second goal from the teams most senior player, Aaron Wilkes, and the game was won.

Another good performance from the team that was missing key players, and yet still won a hard-fought game.