BECKY Southwell grabbed the only goal of the game as Bromsgrove Hockey Club's ladies exacted revenge for defeat at their local rivals earlier in the season.

A highly charged match saw both teams go out strongly, with Droitwich's different formation taking time to settle down.

The first half was mainly dictated by Bromsgrove although the forwards saw little goal mouth action.

Bromsgrove midfielders Ang Gibson, Becky Southwell and player of the match Claire Brookes enthusiastically intercepted Droitwich manoeuvres, creating some attacking movement.

This resulted in an emphatic first penalty corner which saw Southwell sweep home from a hard penetrating Erica Bond strike.

The goal marked the turning point as Bromsgrove became more defensive in response to Droitwich's counter attacking in the second half.

Battling

Droitwich didn't give up and kept battling as Bromsgrove were caught short at the back. Spa couldn't find the net as Bromsgrove old timers Gail Meades, Justine Postpones and June Taylor were kept on their toes by a young attacking line up. A sound debut performance by Di Detrau in the Bromsgrove goal denied Droitwich the chance to draw level as they forced a number of short corners. It obviously wasn't going to be their day as Kate Rodgman and Gemma Richards were denied by Detrau's heroics in goal.

Bromsgrove's winning formula proved to be the tenacity and sheer determination to win league promotion in the face of some fine play by their local rivals.

Droitwich captain Clare Darby said: "It was a fair match. We don't feel disheartened -- Bromsgrove made the most of early pressure, which is what we try to do."