WORCESTER rediscovered their winning ways in the Midlands Women’s Hockey League Premier Division with a 3-2 success over Olton and West Warwicks.
They secured top position again as nearest rivals Kettering were defeated but lost captain Rachel Creese to a serious injury late on.
The hosts took the lead on 15 minutes through Creese at a penalty corner but Olton quickly replied in open play.
Worcester moved the ball well on the right flank with Helen Reeves causing havoc.
A triple save from Olton’s keeper kept the scores level at half-time.
Then Charlotte Roberts’ shot was half-saved only for player-of-the-match Elaine Shepperd to slot home.
Worcester again conceded a quick equaliser but Shepperd was on hand to fire in the winner after Julie Harwood’s shot was blocked.
Meanwhile, the seconds had a tough game in Worcestershire League Division One, going down 5-2 at leaders Bromsgrove.
They took the lead through Becky Donnelly but were 3-1 down at half-time despite a hard-working display. After the break, Worcester scored a second via Lucy Merrett.
But good linking play from Bromsgrove proved too much and player-of-the-match Hannah Beasley-Suffolk kept the score down in goal.
Imi Wheelan and Charlotte Bowyer also impressed.
High-flying Worcester Thirds drew 3-3 with Redditch Seconds in Division Three.
Although usually a defender, Ellie Pardoe rose to the challenge of playing in attack by scoring two early goals.
But Redditch made a good comeback to level the scores by half-time. Early in the second period, the visitors took the lead for the first time.
But Worcester’s defence held on before a late run and shot by Erin Clarke forced an equaliser to move them up to third in the table.
Third-placed Worcester recorded their second BodyKraft Midlands Men’s League Division One win in a row, seeing off Barton 3-2.
The fourths suffered a 6-0 defeat at Cannock in the Central League Midlands Premier Division.
Worcester again conceded three first-half goals but it could have been more if not for keeper Dave Hughes.
Ben Dalton and Matt Wilson put in tireless displays but a torrent of Cannock short corners allowed them to add three more goals.
Worcester Sixths gained a good 4-2 win at King’s Heath Pickwick Fourths in South West Division One.
They snatched an early lead with strikes from Judd Doughty and Ollie Bradley but lost their way and were reduced to 10 men when Josh Kusch was sent off.
Heath fought back with two goals sandwiching a second Doughty effort before Ben Pedrick made the game safe.
Worcester Badgers Potters lost 7-6 at Stourport in a tremendous game, dropping a 5-2 lead at one point.
Daniel Ferrier (4), Jack Cutler and Scott Smith scored.
Worcester Badgers Pippins beat Droitwich 3-2 with the impressive Zach Dunn scoring twice.
Alex Wagner added the vital third, while newcomer Callum Stanley showed promise.
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