Ali Empey struck a first half hat trick on debut for Wimbledon as they began their English men’s league season with a resounding 7-3 win over Hampstead & Westminster.
It came amid a blistering opening half as the Dons built a 6-1 lead in the first 25 minutes with Sam Hopper, Louis Tipper and Ben Francis all cashing in as well with Archie Foster getting the sole response.
The second half was a quieter affair with H&W pulling back a couple of goals before Tipper completed the victory for Wimbledon in the closing moments.
It gets them up and running in strong form ahead of their EHL group which features Real Club de Polo and hosts Oranje-Rood.
Surbiton, meanwhile, got the big win of the season as they defeated reigning national champions Old Georgians 3-2 at Sugden Road.
All the goals came in the first half with Surbiton leading on three separate occasions – Gareth Furlong’s corner was quickly annulled by David Condon. James Oates made it 2-1 only for Alan Forsyth to make it 2-2 in the 22nd minute.
And then the winner ultimately came on the half-hour mark when Nick Bandurak fired in his first goal of the season. Surbiton welcomed Rory Penrose into their line-up while OGs handed debuts to Charlie Rowe, Andrew McConnell and Michael Robson.
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