MALVERN Ladies' hockey team travelled to Hereford last Saturday to play a friendly match against Hereford 2nd XI.

Having found out they were going to be promoted, Malvern were looking to brush away the early season cobwebs, especially as they were yet to train this season.

Malvern put pressure on Hereford right from the start and thanks to some inventive play from Lucy Smith, Malvern were awarded a penalty corner 10 minutes into the game. The ball was moved smartly by Lucy to her sister Kate, who rolled it left for Helen Barnes to strike it cleanly into the net.

Malvern soon after found themselves on the back foot as Hereford kept the pressure on the visitor's defence. Resolute keeping from Frances and impressive interceptions and clearances by Anna Macleaod, in her debut match, kept them ahead for a while until Hereford, having been awarded a penalty corner, equalised.

The Hereford attack upped the pace and Malvern struggled to keep the scores level at half-time.

Malvern pressurised the home team in the second half in short bursts but were forced to defend in numbers as the more experienced Hereford side kept piling forward, gaining numerous penalty corners. Stout defending from Liz McCann, Emma Spicer, Anna and Hilary Forecast kept Malvern in the match for some time but as they tired, Hereford found gaps and found the net three more times.

Malvern never gave up and were still applying late pressure as the final whistle sounded.

Training nights for Malvern are Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm at The Chase and anyone interested in joining can turn up on the night.

Anyone interested in playing for the Malvern men's squad can call Brian Crump on 07709 800039 for more information or email the club at malvernhockey@yahoo.com