CAPTAIN Dicky Johnson felt his Grimsby Hockey Club Men's 1sts justified their Yorkshire Premier League status with a 3-2 victory against Hull University 1sts.
Johnson netted a brace as his newly-promoted charges recorded their first win of the season.
Andy Lockwood opened the scoring after a goal-less first half, before Johnson scored a penalty.
Hull hit back from a penalty corner, but Johnson made it 3-1 with a good reverse shot.
But Hull scored again before, in the dying stages, goalkeeper Mat Thompson produced a stunning save to keep Grimsby's lead intact.
Johnson said: "It was an excellent reaction stop, a Gordon Banks-style save from a yard out to deflect the ball over the bar!
"We had decided to change a few things around after a disappointing start. And the team was excellent, showing why we deserve to be in the Premier League."
Lockwood added: "The lads came together and put in a performance to be proud of after a tough start to the season."
Captain Gaenor Thompson felt her ladies first-team didn't hit top gear – despite a 5-0 victory against Brigg 3rds in the Yorkshire Division Six Humberside 1 league.
She said: "It wasn't our best performance of the season but, even on an off-day, we have won and not conceded any goals so we are happy with the result."
Vicky Taberner added: "After a lot of hard work, we managed to get past an excellent keeper."
Laura Oglesby broke the deadlock, exposing defensive mix-ups on two occasions to score two goals before Vicky Pannell netted the third from close range.
Grimsby made it 4-0 in the second half after a well-worked corner routine involving Thompson and Lisa Foster led to Vicky Taberner lashing home.
An individual goal from Foster in the closing stages capped off a five-star display
