WINDERMERE returned to winning ways with a vengeance, beating Lytham St Annes 10-3 to go back up to second in North League Two (West).

Tom Whitehead scored five to nicely set up next weekend’s top-of-the-table clash with Brooklands in Manchester.

Lytham began strongly, and Mere had to work hard for a 4-2 half-time lead.

But they cut loose after the break, and their expansive, fast-flowing hockey and superior fitness saw them add another six goals.

Whitehead was top-scorer and man-of-the-match, with all five of his goals coming from open play, while fellow striker Harry Jackson scored a hat-trick.

Ed Brownell also found the net, and Will Dolman scored too, with a penalty corner conversion.

Third-placed Lancaster University provided Windermere Ladies with a stern test, but after losing three matches by a single goal it was Mere’s turn to win by that margin.

The only goal of the game came after a super pass by Isabelle Brownell to sister and player-of-the-match Kitty, who beat the advancing goalkeeper to with an assured finish.

Mere goalkeeper Millie Hine made some great saves as the university players tried to level, but a fine all-round team performance won the day and lifted Mere up the Lancashire Central Premier Division table.

Windermere men’s seconds moved up to eighth in North West Division Five North with a deserved 6-2 triumph at Lancaster and Morecambe thirds.

Three goals in each half assured victory, with Mere’s scorers Jimmy Dunlop (2), Jason Balmer, man-of-the-match Jamie Hill, Will Ganniclifft and Michael Shields.

Windermere ladies thirds continued their Netherwood Development League success with a 4-1 win at Lancaster Nomads.

Their scorers were player-of-the-match Holly Glaister (2), Sarah Hartley and Lucie Staniek.