WORCESTER Hockey Club Men’s Fourths won their first match of the season as they stunned Central League Midlands Premier Division leaders Nottingham Univeristy.

Going into the game rooted firmly to the bottom of the table with one point and without a win in any of their first eight games, Worcester recorded a 2-1 victory.

The students found a compact and determined Worcester defence hard to break down but led at the break following a penalty corner.

A fast-flowing counter attack early in the second-half saw debutant Luke Owen equalise for the hosts.

Captain Andy Hadley scored the winner from a penalty corner 15 minutes from time.

Peter Gibbins was on target but the firsts lost 2-1 at Sikh Union (Nottingham) in BodyKraft Midlands Men’s League Division One.

The thirds went down 4-0 at Cannock after being forced to field Dave Hughes as a last-minute stand-in goalkeeper.

Worcester struggled to get going and basic errors coupled with some impressive attacking saw Cannock take control with two goals midway through the half.

The visitors failed to capitalise on their periods of pressure and two further goals saw them trail 4-0 at the break.

Worcester managed to keep the hosts out in the second-half thanks to some excellent defensive work and saves from Hughes.

The sixths were beaten 5-1 at home by Bournville Fourths.

Poor defending and mistakes all over the field saw Bournville race into a 3-0 lead. Shipley pulled a goal back for Worcester but they conceded two further goals.

Worcester Women’s Firsts stay top of the Midlands Premier League after drawing 0-0 against Loughborough Seconds in the final game before Christmas.

Worcester had the better of the first-half chances and Issy Davies made two good saves.

Libby Hayes scored a hat-trick as the seconds defeated Tenbury 5-2.

Worcester came from behind to lead 2-1 at the break and increased their advantage in the second-half.

Worcester thirds won the club battle against the fourths 4-1. Although a player short, the fourths played with determination but the thirds led at the break through Katy Chick and Nina Moore.

An own goal made it 3-0 before Nicola Stubbs hit back from a penalty corner.

The game continued to ebb and flow before Jody Palmer added the fourth.

Worcester marched on in the England Boys Under 18s Cup after a penalty shoot-out.

After deservedly beating Bournville 3-2 in the previous stage, Worcester enjoyed further success against another national league club in Barford Tigers.

The hosts fought back from a goal down to draw level at 3-3 through an excellent all-round team effort.

Josh White (2) and Oliver Bradley scored before Worcester kept their composure to win 4-1 on penalties with goalkeeper Gavin Hughes making two saves.

Lasse Bachem scored a hat-trick as Worcester defeated Wednesbury 3-0 in the Worcestershire Under 16s Plate.

Worcester progressed to April’s regional finals in the under 14s cup thanks to two goals from Daniel Ferrier in a 2-1 win against Cannock.

Sade Gerald and Chloe Stanbridge put Worcester ahead but they lost 3-2 to Stourport in the Under 18s Girls Knock-out Cup.

Worcester Badgers Potters drew 3-3 against the club’s Pippens.