IT is fair to say Wilmslow Hockey Club men’s firsts were in a hurry to get promotion signed, sealed and delivered.

Needing a single victory to do just that, they pummelled 11 goals past a helpless Preston second team.

With Joe Booth scoring five of their goals to take the man of the match award, Wilmslow saved some of their best hockey of the season for the big occasion and are now assured of their place in the North Hockey League Premier Division with three games still to play.

Booth opened the scoring from a short corner – the same route which provided the second goal for Martin Wright.

Pete Hallinan rounded off some exquisite midfield passing to make it three and by the time Booth plundered two more goals to complete his hat-trick, Wilmslow were in cruise control.

Preston did manage to pull a goal back before half time from a short corner, but that was as good as it got for the visitors.

Booth deflected home a shot at the far post for his fourth of the afternoon before Cam Armstrong got in on the fun shortly after, slamming the ball low into the net from the top of the D.

Hallinan then rounded the keeper for his second goal before Fabio Stubbs volleyed home at the back post for goal number nine.

Jack Wright brought up double figures, but it was perhaps fitting that Booth rounded off the scoring with his fifth of the afternoon.

The team’s next game is away to Sheffield Hallam seconds on Saturday, push back 1.15pm.

The seconds won 5-3 away at Preston’s thirds while a 5-1 win at Clwb Hoci Eirias seconds provided the thirds with one of their best results of the season.

The fourths were hammered 12-0 by league leaders Crewe seconds but the fifths played out a goalless draw with Crewe fourths.

Meanwhile, the women’s firsts travelled to Stokesley without their captain, vice-captain and leading goalscorer and their absences proved costly in a 2-0 defeat.

The ever-reliable Cat Lang performed well in goal while sisters Hannah and Emilie Kelman impressed in defence.