HOCKEY: Redditch Ladies returned to winning ways with a resounding 8-0 victory over newly-promoted visitors Worcester.

The scoreline is an accurate reflection of the difference in class between the two sides as Redditch were given time and space to put together some free-flowing attacks.

Emma Preston opened the scoring and Sharon Fish scored twice at the far post to make it 3-0 at half-time.

Liz Thompson had an encouraging game on the right and Becky Southwell made some quality passes from midfield as the home side surged forward.

Young Amie Richards in goal made two positive clearances to ensure a clean sheet.

The second half saw Redditch step up the pace still further and scored another five goals.

Both Fish and Preston completed their hat-tricks, with Preston's third the pick of the strikes as she fired in a cross from the right.

Fish ended up with a personal tally of four with Jo Stafford scoring the other.

Redditch are at home again next week but are likely to face far tougher opposition when they meet Droitwich (3pm).

Redditch 2nds missed out for the third week running when their match was cancelled by the opposition.

Although Redditch will be awarded the league points they hope next week's game at home to Droitwich 3rds (noon) goes ahead to give them the match practise they need.