England Men’s Conference West pace setters Cheltenham host University of Exeter in round two on Saturday at Balcarras.
Cheltenham opened with a 4-1 home win over Indian Gymkhana with goals from Alex Salmon and Matthew Court sandwiching successful penalty corner conversions by Dan Jackson.
While the all blacks were winning 4-1, Exeter lost by the same score at University of Birmingham, where the greens were given a French lesson in finishing despite taking a second minute lead through Tom Watson. Birmingham's Sam French scored the division's first hat-trick of the season.
Defending champions Cardiff & Met visit Team Bath Buccaneers on Sunday in the match of the day.
Cardiff opened with a 3-2 home win over Guildford thanks to Liam Brignull’s last minute penalty corner winner.
Guildford rallied from 2-0 down to level after Luke Hawker and Brignull’s penalty corners had fired the blues 2-0 up.
Matthew Ming scored twice from penalty corners as Bath Buccs drew 2-2 with newcomers Chichester, whose scorers were Ben Palmer and Richard Blakesley.
Exeter-based Isca marked their national league return with a 2-2 home draw with Fareham after Rick Mccollum and Simon Tremlett put them 2-1 ahead. On Sunday Isca host Guildford.
