After a seven-week hiatus, Sanderstead's first team enjoyed a comfortable return to competitive hockey with a 6-2 victory against Trinity Mid-Whitgiftian IIs on Saturday in South League Surrey Division one.

Mark Hunnisett scored a hat-trick for the Millers, with Gavin Bradley, Andy Wilson and Mark Bryan getting the other goals, to keep alive the Millers’ promotion dream.

Hosts Trinity opened the scoring minutes after push-back but Bradley soon had the visitors on equal terms, finishing off some neat approach play by John Devaney.

Persistent pressure brought Sanderstead’s first short corner, which saw a Hunnisett shot diverted goalwards by Wilson’s smart touch.

With this, the Millers took a 2-1 lead into the interval.

Trinity pulled level through their own set piece to maintain a threat and they drew a number of good stops from Sanderstead goalkeeper Dan Pacitti.

But their opponents responded decisively, led by striker Hunnisett who hit three well-taken goals to cement his position as the club’s leading scorer this season.

Two came from penalty corners – one set up by Martyn Avery, the other an unstoppable drag flick.

He secured the hat-trick with a solo effort created in open play after turning strongly at the top of circle to shake his marker and hit a clean strike to the bottom left-hand corner.

A further flick seemed certain to take his tally to four but Trinity’s goalie saved well despite being unsighted.

Bryan completed the scoring, again from a set piece.

After the match, captain Avery said: “As would be expected after almost two months off, we were a little rusty at times, but this was a useful start to the second half of our season.

"I’m now looking forward to us building on this win as we maintain our challenge in the weeks ahead.”

Less fortunate were the Millers' second team, who fell by a single goal against Barnes Vs in Surrey Open Premier Division.

The 4-3 defeat means their chances of promotion this season are now remote.

Dominic Knolles scored twice for Sanderstead, either side of an Ashley Cooke goal, but Barnes were always in control in the second half, after the teams were square at 2-2 at half time.

In Surrey Open Division Two, meanwhile, the third team overcame mid-table rivals Spencer Hurricanes, winning 3-2 at home.

The visitors took the lead but Rob Lunt equalised for the Millers and Alex Larcombe put the hosts ahead before the break.

Spencer got their second to keep them on terms until Larcombe struck again five minutes from the final whistle.

Players interested in joining Sanderstead hockey club can contact Martyn Avery on 07968 973305.

The club is always happy to welcome new players of all abilities at training, which takes place on Tuesday evenings at Warlingham School.

The club’s website also has more information at www.sandersteadhockey.com.

The next fixtures are on Saturday 15 January: 1st XI v Oxted 3s, 1pm at Croydon High School.

2nd XI v Sunbury and Walton Hawks 2s, 11.30am at St Paul’s College, Sunbury.