SKIPPER Rory MacTaggart, pictured, led from the front by notching up a hat-trick for Salisbury who shrugged off a nervy first half performance and half-time deficit to beat Hampshire League rivals Weymouth 4-2 at Redlands, writes Mike Vimpany.

Weymouth started strongly with quick forwards causing problems for the Salisbury defence - the seasiders' turning round 2-1 up.

MacTaggart, pictured, got Salisbury on the scoresheet with a trademark penalty corner drag flick in between Weymouth's two goals.

A stern half-time team talk appeared to resolve Salisbury's structural problems and they began the second half playing their best hockey of the season.

Another MacTaggart drag flick made it 2-2 - but at the opposite end, the evergreen Tim Green produced a string of excellent saves throughout to thwart the Weymouth attack and keep Salisbury firmly in the game.

Salisbury went in front for the first time when MacTaggart stole possession in the opposition half before driving into the 23 and offloading a pass for Alfie Jones to send a reverse stick strike sailing past the Weymouth keeper.

The win was c o n f i r m e d w h e n MacTaggart completed his hat-trick from a final drag flick finishing high into the top corner.

A series of yellow card bookings cost Salisbury periods of time with players sin-binned at the tail end of the game, but Salisbury dug in to grind out three points away from home.

"The work rate could not be faulted and the centre back partnership of Andy Renshaw, playing out of his usual right back position, and debutant Chaz Sheppard along with returnee Chris Warde solidified our defence," MacTaggart said.

"We finished from our attacks and were clinical in front of goal - something we lacked in the previous week's 2-2 draw with Winchester.”

"The lads all put in a huge effort defensively. That combined with our clear attacking ability makes for a very promising season."

Salisbury visit Bournemouth at Chapel Gate on Saturday.

Also finding a winning recipe was the fourths, who fielded a selection of youngsters against the Isle of Wight.

James Palmer gave the hosts the lead but the islanders levelled things up before the interval.

Then, Henry Smith’s double in the second half drifted the hosts away from their visitors to secure a 3-1 win at Lower Bemerton.

YOUNG HOCKEY

A STRING of young players from Salisbury Hockey Club have been picked for Wiltshire County (Junior Academy Centre) squads this season.

From the girls teams, 12 players have been represented from the under 14s, seven under 15s and five under 17s. In the boys, seven under 14s, one under 15 and five under 17s have been selected for county hockey.