PLYMOUTH Marjon's six-match unbeaten England Hockey League run ended with a 3-1 defeat at high-flying Welsh club Whitchurch.

Plymouth's defeat on Sunday keeps them at the foot of the Men's Conference West table with seven games remaining but still within touching distance of four sides immediately above them in the 10-team table.

Second-bottom Old Georgians lost 2-0 at fourth-placed Bournville, who are this Sunday's visitors to Marjons (12.30pm).

At Cardiff club Whitchurch, Jamie Westerman fired the home side ahead on 17 minutes.

Lewis Waitt went close to a late first half leveller before Plymouth player-coach Calum Giles restored parity from a 56th minute penalty corner.

Whitchurch regained the lead when Rhys Gowman scored the first of his two late second half goals six minutes later.

Gowman made it 3-1 in the 69th minute.

Plymouth drew 1-1 at home to mid-table Lansdown on their return to West Clubs Women's League Premier One action after three postponed new year matches out of four.

Giselle Ansley secured a late point for Plymouth from the penalty spot.

In the men's regional N4 League, Premier Three leaders Plymouth Marjon A warmed up for this Saturday's top of the table clash against Torbay by hitting Hereford for six without reply.

Rich Hislop (2), Tom Haigh (2), Joe Toulson and Ian White scored for Plymouth while second-placed Torbay required a last-minute winner to edge past third placed PGSOB 3-2 for the second time this season.

Lloyd Milbourn and Gareth Roberts scored for PGs, who slip to fourth, four points behind Plymouth.

University of Plymouth lost 4-2 at Cardiff and UWIC A ahead of this Saturday's home match against Hereford.

South Division One basement side Tavistock lost 9-2 at home to third placed Isca A, while OPM maintain top spot in South Two – by a point – following a 6-3 home win over East Devon A.

Martin Simpson-Scott, Laurence Peacock, skipper Alex Peacock (2) and James Frost (2) scored for the home side, who countered from conceding an early goal to lead 3-1 at half-time.

PGSOB A and Plymouth Marjon B both recorded 2-1 home wins.

PGs beat fourth-placed Dart thanks to goals by Tom Fox and Dan Uden, while Plymouth overcame basement side Torbay A thanks to Ben Daplyn's double.

In the women's South Division, third from bottom Tavistock were the only local side to gain a point – following a 1-1 home draw with ECV Hornets – as Caradon, Plym Valley and Plymouth Marjon seconds lost.

Third placed Caradon were beaten 2-1 by visitors Bridgwater, Plym Valley were beaten 6-2 by Exe thirds and Marjon lost 5-2 at mid-table rivals Sidmouth, where Alex Johnson scored twice for Plymouth.

In the men's South West Division One, leaders University of Plymouth A were held 3-3 by PGSOB B, United Services (Plymouth) beat Caradon 5-1 and Plymouth Marjon C lost 3-0 at home to second-placed Penzance.

Martin Riley (2) and Steve Wherry scored for PGs.

In South Western District One, fast-improving Plymouth Marjon E recorded their second win of the season, 4-2 at Tavistock B. John Whitfield, Phil Beesley, Adam McEvoy and Nick Fennell put Plymouth 4-0 up before two late goals for Tavistock top scorer Josh Reynolds.