Redditch Hockey Club reports round-up

Redditch Hockey Club reports round-up

REDDITCH Ladies knew a tough test was in store when they travelled to Worcester for their opening game of the Worcestershire League Division One season and so it proved as the home side secured an 11-1 victory.

Worcester were only relegated from the Midlands League largely due to the previous Covid-curtailed season which ended with them having games in hand but relegated all the same.

The hosts showed their class, particularly from well-drilled short corners, but there was a consolation goal for Redditch when Leanne Styzaker fired into the left side of the net from the top of the D.

Redditch Ladies 2nds continued their impressive start to the Division Three campaign with a 4-1 victory over Bromsgrove 6ths – an impressive feat considering Redditch played the match without a goalkeeper.

Redditch managed to stamp their authority with some good attacking play right from the start as Bromsgrove struggled to deal with quick passing and movement which culminated in captain Louise Jennings opening the scoring.

Frankie Griffiths was rewarded with the first of two goals just before the break when she converted a rebound from a short corner.

The Kingfishers started the started half with a simple task which was not to get complacent and they certainly did not as further goals from Griffiths and Tula Williams – who had already played a full Badgers game beforehand – followed.

Bromsgrove bagged a consolation from a short corner strike from captain Lauren O’Grady which was almost impossible to stop with no goalkeeper present.

Celia Wright was Redditch’s player of the match after she stepped into the central midfield role and performed her job perfectly.

This weekend brings a trip to Stourport for what will no doubt be a tough fixture against their 5th team, who have come down from the division above.

Redditch men were suffered their first defeat of the Midlands Three season as they were beaten 7-1 at Nottingham Trent Uni, but the seconds won 3-0 at home against Stratford 3rds and remain unbeaten in T3 South West 1.

Redditch 3rds lost 7-3 in T3 South West 2 at a strong Bromsgrove side.

Redditch started positively and scored early through fine link-up play from youngsters Lochlann Mitchell and Eathan Wedgbury, resulting in Wedgbury calmly slotting home.

Bromsgrove hit back to take a 2-1 lead but a strong and accurate short corner strike from Dave Baker restored parity before half-time.

However, Bromsgrove showed their credentials in the second period and pulled clear before Redditch had the final say with a consolation goal from Josh Checkley after a strong run and assist from Matt Wilmot.

Redditch 3rds host City of Birmingham on Saturday looking to claim their first victory of the season.

Defeat came the way of Redditch 4ths who lost 6-0 at home to old rivals Bromsgrove in T3 South West 4.

The home team suffered two casualties in the first quarter of the game when Rob Leighton and Barry Fitzpatrick had to leave the field with muscle injuries.

Play was open all over the field with neither side achieving dominance initially but the visitors scored twice towards half-time with both goals coming from well-worked short passing moves in and around the D.

Bromsgrove slowly took the upper hand in the second half when the home side failed to contain some good young players who controlled the midfield, resulting in four more goals for Bromsgrove.

On a more positive note, there were some good moves from the Redditch side when they passed and supported each other. Notable performances came from Ben Bryant at the back and young newcomer Sam Padfield in midfield.

Redditch Badgers bounced back from a heavy defeat the previous week to secure a deserved 5-2 win against Worcester Pippins.

Redditch took command of the game early on, looking confident on the ball and pressing the opposition back into their half.

The Redditch pressure and intensity of play was too much for Worcester and the deadlock was soon broken with Harry Gwyer and Miller Glen on hand to convert some fine team goals, ensuring Redditch went into the break with a 3-0 advantage.

Worcester upped the pressure in the second half but were unable to find a way through the strong, organised Redditch defence.

Redditch continued to create plenty of chances on goal but found it hard to apply the finishing touch until player of the match Gwyer scored with a thunderous shot from the top of the D to claim his hat-trick.

Redditch then took their foot off the gas and a couple of lapses in concentration allowed Worcester to push through the stretched defence and score two late goals.

Redditch were not finished though and a final goal from Glen secured victory for the Badgers in a dominant performance.

Redditch Badgers now have a two-week break and will return on November 7 away to Stratford Foxes