UPTON Ladies hockey team travelled to Bromsgrove with only nine players for this League match.

BROMSGROVE 3RDS 1, UPTON LADIES 6.

Upton started well with Rachel Barber opening the scoring within minutes. The goal came following a flowing move started by Sally Burroughs, Bev Ingram's cross which was converted by Rachel Barber.

The second was a repeat performance with Rachel Barber again scoring from a Bev Ingram cross.

The midfield worked hard against the greater numbers of the Bromsgrove team, Laura Smith working tirelessly. The last Upton goal of the first half followed a hit by Paula Sayers from the side line, an adept stop and strike from Bev Ingram giving Upton their third. Bromsgrove made their extra players count with a break down the left leading to the only goal of the game.

In the second half Upton's fitness began to tell thanks to this season's training regime.

Vikki Atkinson flicked the ball past the Bromsgrove goalie after the pinpoint accuracy of a free hit from Trudy Warner.

After a period of pressure from Bromsgrove Upton cleared from the back to Sally Burroughs who use her pace and fitness to beat both the Bromsgrove defence and take the ball around the stranded Bromsgrove goalie to score.

Upton's last goal came from a short corner, Vikki Atkinson's strike being deflected up by the Bromsgrove goalie for Sally Burroughs to score the volley home.

Upton's defence held firm for a convincing 6-1 victory.

Many thanks to Mark Atkinson for umpiring at short notice. Joint Players of the Match Laura Smith, Sally Burroughs and Bev Ingram.

The team was Jenny Parkes (capt), Paula Sayers, Jacky Farley, Trudy Warner, Rachel Barber, Laura Smith, Vikki Atkinson, Bev Ingram and Sally Burroughs.

Tomorrow (Saturday) Upton play Pershore at MGC, start 10.30am.