PHILIPPA Roberts was on target for Worcester Hockey Club's Women in a 5-1 home defeat to Leicester Seconds in the Midlands Premier Division.

The hosts started positively and moved the ball with pace down both wings, causing problems for Leicester.

Roberts’ deflected strike from a penalty corner put Worcester ahead but an unlucky rebound gave Leicester an easy tap-in to level before half-time.

Worcester, disheartened in the second-half by umpiring decisions going against them, were ripped apart by two goals from penalty corners early on.

Despite valiant efforts by Emma Hughes and Elaine Shepperd, further goals eluded them and Leicester scored with two more late efforts.

The seconds went down 4-0 at Harborne in Worcestershire League Division One.

Worcester played well in the second-half without scoring as the opponents’ keeper impressed. Harborne swooped with two quick goals on the break and added a late brace as Worcester tired.

Pippa Lewis was their player-of-the-match.

The thirds fielded a full team for the first time this season but went down 2-1 at Bournville in Division Three.

Bournville were starved of possession for the majority of the first-half and Sam Sellick scored her first goal of the season after 15 minutes.

Despite enjoying most of the play, Worcester gave away two short corners and Bourneville scored from both.

Worcester were unable to force the equaliser. Emma Wright was player-of-the-match.