BICESTER Ladies opened their Trysports Three Counties Hockey League Premier 2 campaign with a 1-1 draw at Thame on Saturday.

After a positive start they deservedly took the lead mid-way through the first half as Hannah Newell slotted past the keeper on the rebound.

But hosts Thame pushed hard and found an equaliser shortly after the break.

Bicester responded and went in search of a winner, but were unable to convert a number of penalty corners.

They now hope to build upon the performance when they host Slough 2nd on Saturday.

In Division 2, Bicester 2nd fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Buckingham 3rd in a close encounter.

Kelly Frater went close for the north Oxfordshire side.

But two quick goals for the visitors proved the difference.

Charlie Humphreys starred with a hat-trick to help Bicester 3rd get off to the best start possible in Division 5 with a 4-1 win over Oxford 6th.

Sam Scott was also on the scoresheet.

Bicester’s 4th and 5th teams are both in Division 6, but suffered contrasting defeats.

In a closely fought match the 4th team went down 1-0 at Banbury 5th.

However, a youthful Bicester 5th were convincingly beaten 8-0 at Oxford Hawks 7th.

Despite the scoreline, Amy Pearson and Emma Graham excelled for the visitors.