Redditch Hockey Club enjoyed their most convincing victory in recent times on Wednesday night, after thrashing Evesham Arrows 11-4 in their first Summer League fixture of the year.
After a season long battle against relegation in the main MRHA West Midlands Premier league through the winter, the Kingfishers seemed to relish in the relatively low pressure environment of Summer League, playing with style and great confidence to the delight of Summer captain Chris Thomas.
Seven players made it to the score list, Richard Sellors scoring a hat trick, Steve Cook and Andy Brooks scoring two, with Pete Dawson, Steve Dawes, Dave Smith and Dan Waite all joining the party.
Cook gave Redditch the lead in the ninth minute, and scored his second seven minutes later.
Cook’s second goal sparked a thrilling five minutes that saw three more goals.
Evesham got one back a minute after Cook’s effort, but Richard Sellors went straight back up the other end of the pitch to grab the first of his treble only to see Evesham respond again two minutes later.
But Redditch then took a stranglehold on the game in the final ten minutes of the half, with Brooks, Sellors and Dawson all grabbing well taken goals.
Waite put Redditch 7-2 ahead ten minutes into the half, and Sellors completed his hat trick in the 50th minute.
Evesham by now were on the rocks, but were still pushing forward and claimed their third goal shortly after Sellors completed his hat trick.
Dawes fired home immediately afterwards, and the shell shocked Evesham defence literally stood still with five minutes remaining, allowing Dave Smith the easiest run in on goal he’ll ever have, and Brooks scored Redditch’s 11th moments later.
Evesham were to have the last laugh though, firing home on the final whistle to leave the scoreline at 11-4.
After a winter of struggles, more scorelines like this during the summer months should prove the ideal preparation for the West Midlands Premier when the new season starts in the autumn.
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