SKIPPER Jon Sprague's hat-trick was not enough as Worcester Men's Firsts were pipped 5-4 by leaders Harborne in a thrilling BodyKraft Midlands Premier Division clash.

Worcester, looking to gain revenge for a 9-3 thrashing earlier in the season, twice fell behind in the first-half.

But Sprague equalised on both occasions with a short-corner flick and a close-range finish from Pete Gibbins' pass, while Steve Grant hit the post.

Worcester started the second period slowly and errors gifted Harborne three quick goals.

But the hosts regained their composure with Chris Adams, Matt Brace and Rob Riddell all impressive.

Sprague scored a third five minutes from time and then he combined with Adams to set up Gibbins who smashed home the fourth goal.

It was, however, too little too late for Worcester who slipped down to sixth in the table.

Worcester Seconds won 6-1 at Old Halesonians to cement their West Midlands Premier promotion challenge.

The city side played cultured hockey to lead 5-0 at half-time with James Brown notching a hat-trick, while Mark Richardson struck twice.

Many chances went begging in the second-half although Brown scored again and Old Hales netted a consolation.

Ben Martin scored a great goal as the thirds lost 3-1 at home to Lichfield in the Midlands Premier.

Worcester went ahead through Martin but were caught on the break to concede a leveller.

They continued to play well without scoring and Lichfield struck twice late on.

In the Midlands Premier, Worcester Fourths drew 2-2 with Leek Fifths.

Worcester conceded a deflection before half-time and a second shortly after.

Owen Edwards dragged them back in to the game with midfielders John Podmore and Miles Reece playing well.

Ben Mullet also impressed as new captain Phil Jones levelled from a short corner.

Tim Young netted twice in an outstanding display as Worcester Fifths saw off Barford Tigers 5-1.

Andy Taylor and Josh Edge (two) added further goals.

Worcester Sixths fell 7-0 to Harborne Fourths.

Jim Templar scored as the sevenths were sunk 6-1 by Solihull Blossomfield.

Luke Owen and Jake Glass netted as the Badgers Pippins beat Solihull Blossomfield 2-0.