Swallows came out blazing on Sunday in a much anticipated A League match against rivals Ravens, romping to a 4-2 victory.

Ravens had been keen to take some steam off the defending league champs but it was not to be their day as Swallows took sole possession of top spot in the table.

Both teams came out strongly and determined in a high pressure match. And it was Ravens who made the initial breakthrough in the 24th minute with a powerful deflected strike from a Caroline Black penalty corner.

But the goal sparked Swallows into action and a quick goal from ex-Scotland junior player Lucy Daynes followed.

Swallows dominated the remainder of the first half but couldn't get the ball in the net and the teams went to the break level at 1-1.

After the interval, Ravens won a couple of short corners but failed to convert as Swallows continued to play with confidence, using a great passing and possession game.

Hannah Ellison put on a skilful display up front while defenders Liz Osborne and Yvonne Slattery quickly nullified any opportunities created by Ravens.

Swallows eventually went ahead when midfielder Sam De Putron dribbled along the D's back line and slipped the ball to Jenny Burrell who neatly put away her shot.

Swallows again capitalised on this scoring partnership ten minutes later to take a 3-1 lead.

However, Ravens managed to pull a goal back when an attacking run from Megan Spurling created a chance that was converted by Emma Simmons.

But it was becoming evident that Swallows had the game in hand and they sealed the win when defender Trish Lorimer took a great run into the Ravens D and hammered the ball home.

Despite the loss, Ravens coach and BHF president Justin Freisenbruch was pleased with the quality of the game, saying it was "a superb advert for the commitment and skill that exists in women's hockey".

"The game attracted the biggest crowd that we have seen all year and both teams deserve tremendous praise for the spirit in which the game was played," he said. "I couldn't have been more pleased with the effort that Ravens showed and we will definitely continue to learn and improve as the season goes on."

In other A League play, Cardinals took heart in a 2-1 win over Swifts as they entered the match on the back of two heavy losses to Swallows and Ravens.

Cardinals opened the scoring with Jennie Kelly capitalising on a mix-up in the Swifts' defence in the 22nd minute. Both teams were forced to play short for parts of the second half. Injury robbed Cardinals of solid midfielder Laurel Powell while Swifts were reduced to 10 when Paget Holland was shown a yellow card for a stick tackle.

Laura Bardgett secured a second goal to give Cards a winning margin despite a late rally from Swifts who saw Vanessa Kent score.

Canaries and Bluebirds, meanwhile, battled to a 2-2 draw.

Women's B League play saw Swifts reverse their A result, with a 2-1 win over Cards. Swifts opened the scoring in the 32nd minute when Francesca Cacace converted a cross on the left. The other Swifts goal was scored by Yvonna Osborne while Helen Marshall netted a consolation goal for Cardinals.

Ravens too reversed their B scoreline against Swallows with a 4-2 win. Emma MacKnight, Liz Gardner, Louisa Freisenbruch and Jennifer Simmons all scored for Ravens.

Canaries and Bluebirds settled for a 1-1 draw in other B play.

In the men's league, Chameleons' undefeated run ended with a 2-1 loss against Upstarts.

Upstarts should have gone a goal up midway through the second half when new boy Maarten Valk was fouled, resulting in a penalty stroke. Captain Neil Carroll stepped up but failed to convert.

Chameleon Steve Moreton was on target, however, as he drilled home a powerful shot from a short corner.

But coming into the last 10 minutes Valk was again fouled in the circle. This time he took the penalty stroke himself and slotted it away with confidence.

A third penalty, following a goalmouth scramble, saw Valk on target again to seal the win.

Chameleons are still at the top of the table but the result means the men's title race remains wide open.

In the other men's match, Rebels and Police Polecats fought to a 1-1 stalemate.