Buckhurst Hill gained revenge against rivals Croydon with a convincing 10-2 victory on Saturday largely due to two hat-tricks.

Early scoring opportunities were scarce at Roding Lane with Bucks seeking to avenge the one goal defeat on the season’s opening day.

Albert Whitehead and Chris Mitchell scored three apiece, softening up the Croydon rear-guard to allow a couple of scores from Seamus Monaghan to build a lead for the home team.

The game evolved into an end-to-end match as possession swapped, but Bucks’ defence kept a skilled and mobile stranglehold over Croydon’s talented attack, only allowing two opportunistic strikes from the visitors.

Bucks scored regularly throughout the four quarters to sustain pressure on their opposition.

The excellent performance in tough conditions confirms Bucks’ progress into the second half of the league season.

Bucks will next face Oxford University at Roding Lane on Saturday for a combined Flags/League double-header.