Bromsgrove 4, Evesham 1

PROMOTION to Division One was never going to give Evesham an easy ride and Saturday's sixth league outing of the season proved another humbling experience.

Armed with positive attitudes, the visitors started the brighter with links between defence and attack causing Bromsgrove problems. However, the roles were soon reversed and it was the hosts who broke the deadlock.

Evesham continued to battle hard but they conceded a second goal before half-time. Captain Dufty gave a spirited team talk and she led from the front to cut the deficit after a nifty turn.

Evesham now produced some attractive hockey but lost their momentum after a short break for an injury and this enabled the hosts to catch their opponents napping to fire in a third.

A fourth soon followed and Evesham were left to reflect on an improved display but no points. They will be hoping for a return of some kind in Saturday's local derby against Worcester Norton III at the High School.

The section is looking to recruit players over 18 to complement its dedicated first and second teams. Ring Vanessa Dufty on 01386 45881.

Bidford 0, Great Alne 5

A WEAKENED Bidford side conceded four second half goals to crash to a heavy defeat at the hands of their Warwickshire neighbours.

Staged on Astroturf at Redditch, Bidford took time to settle to the surface but managed to keep Great Alne to just one goal by the break.

However, it was a different story after the restart when Great Alne's attacks proved too much despite some spirited defending.

Warwick University 3, Shipston Ladies 1

AN UNFORTUNATE own goal just before half-time left Shipston with a second half mountain to climb in Saturday's league encounter.

And, despite sharing the spoils after the restart, the visitors were unable to add to Annie Lissingham's strike that made the final score 3-1.

The young home side capitalised on Shipston's quiet start only to find Debbie Foster and player of the match, Joey Squance, tough nuts to crack as they sought a way through.

The opening goal came late in the half and the own goal just served to add to Shipston's troubles. They came out brighter for the second period only to fall 3-0 behind before Lissington snatched deserved consolation.

Shipston are in action at Stratford Community Centre on Saturday when Edgbaston II provide the opposition for a 2pm start.