AFTER a memorable weekend, Oxford Hawks will have both their men’s and ladies’ sides competing in national competitions next season.

The men’s team clinched their return to the National League after 11 years with a 5-1 victory at Horsham, which clinched the South League Premier title.

And their ladies avoided relegation from Investec Conference West by the skin of their teeth, despite suffering two defeats over the weekend.

Team manager Neil Biggs said: “This will be the first time that Hawks have had both their men and ladies 1st XI’s playing in their respective national leagues.

“There are only around 15 clubs in the country achieving this landmark, so Hawks are now in illustrious company and it is a fantastic achievement.”

Hawks men were almost guaranteed winning the title before their match at Horsham, but they made doubly sure with a big victory.

The visitors led 2-1 at half-time thanks to goals from Andy Watts and their Australian overseas player Ryan Hammond, before Tom Godding, Jack Biggs and Ted Bennett added to the tally in the second half.

In midweek, Hawks won 6-0 at home to Winchester, thanks to doubles from Bennett, Biggs, who also missed a penalty flick, Mike Cullimore and Will Heywood.

It was a much tenser affair for Oxford Hawks Ladies, after they lost 4-1 at Isca on Saturday, their only goal being a short-corner strike from Catherine Reaney.

A day later, they went into their final game away to Olton & West Warwicks, three points ahead of Cannock who were occupying the relegation play-off place.

Hawks knew they had to equal or better Cannock’s to stay up.

Olton who broke the deadlock in the second half thanks to Olympic bronze medallist Sally Walton.

Moments later Hawks lost Abi Flory with a suspected broken thumb, but despite this setback they continued to push forward and won a number of penalty corners.

However Olton defended well and Hawks, despite a super display from Caro Harris, fell to a 1-0 defeat.

At the final whistle, the news came through that Cannock had lost 5-0, so Hawks knew they avoided relegation.