It's sometimes said that it's a sign of a good side which plays badly and wins - if so, there's hope for Merton Hockey Club.

They certainly didn't play well yet carved out a relatively easy win against a tetchy Walton side.

Merton started poorly, rarely keeping good possession and it was totally against the run of play when captain Dale Parker produced the perfect pass to Jules Gaultier who finished with a crisp shot into the roof of the net.

Inspired by this, Merton added a second, Parker finishing this one himself. Merton maintained a period of pressure on Walton's defence and ironically, it was during this period of Merton pressure that Walton broke away and reduced the lead to 2-1, with half-time approaching.

The second-half was similarly uneven with both sides lacking consistency.

Then Walton got a break - a broken arm, sadly - when their right midfielder could only fend off with his arm a rising clearance from his own defence. With a substitute on, and still somewhat distracted by the nasty injury, Walton's concentration slipped.

Merton gained a penalty corner and added their third goal from a clever manoeuvre finished off by Gaultier once again. The game deteriorated in its last quarter with three temporary suspensions for foul play, two to Walton and one to Merton.

Merton Ladies meanwhile also won 3-1 against Thames Valley 1st XI. Tamsyn Taylor scored twice whilst Stacey Alers added a third in a stylish win that moves Merton into second place in the Surrey Ladies League, Division 2.

Other results: Woking Ladies 3rd XI 4 Merton Ladies 2nd XI 0; Men's: 2nd XI 5 Camberley 2nd XI 2; 3rd XI 1 Kenley 2nd XI 1; 4th XI 5 Horley 1st XI 3; Boars 0 Aldershot 4th XI 3.

Opportunities for young players continue at Merton with regular colts coaching on Friday afternoons, 4 - 5.15 pm (9-12 year olds) and on Sunday mornings from 9.30 am (9-16 year olds) at The Hub @ Tooting & Mitcham, £3 per session.