REDDITCH Hockey Club’s men’s first team secured an eighth successive victory with a 3-2 success against local rivals Bromsgrove.
The men’s first team continued their fine form with a hard-fought win against neighbours Bromsgrove as Josh Brown opened the scoring, from a well-worked penalty corner routine, assisted by Andy Billingham.
Redditch dominated the majority of the second half and doubled their lead when Harrison Young deflected Brown’s shot into the net from another penalty corner.
And Brown grabbed his second of the game with a stunning reverse stick strike from the top of the D to put Redditch in command.
However, Bromsgrove reduced the deficit from a penalty corner with four minutes left to play before scoring a penalty stroke with the final play of the game.
The win leaves Redditch four points clear of Cannock at the top of the table with three games left to play.
And the men’s second team consolidated their place at the division’s summit with a comfortable 5-0 win against Old Silhillians 3rds.
Redditch made an electric start and broke the deadlock after just 15 seconds through Miller G before a penalty stroke from Harry Saunders and further goals from John Manison and Richard Sellors all but sealed the win by half time.
The second half proved a more open affair as Redditch defenders George Haslam, Matt Grubb, John Knight and goalkeeper Ben Bryant impressed to a record a clean sheet and Sellors struck again late on to add some gloss to the scoreline.
However, the men’s fourth team slipped to a 3-0 defeat against a young Atherstone side.
Despite the best efforts of Arran Smith and CJ Perry in midfield and Hayden Bourne in attack, a few errors in defence allowed Atherstone to take the game away from Redditch.
Redditch’s ladies’ first team suffered defeat at Olton and West Warwickshire 3rds as the home side scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes.
However, Redditch’s Teagan Guilfoyle slotted home at the back post to reduce the deficit, after running in from the left wing, only for Olton to score again shortly before half time.
And despite a valiant effort in the second period, Redditch were unable to find an equaliser with neither side able to find the net after the break.
Lastly, the ladies second team beat Kings Heath 2nds thanks to a brace from Katie H who scored her first senior goals while Bea Salter secured the win with a fine finish.
Redditch face a difficult end to the season with games against the league leaders and second-placed side still to come before a final day clash with Old Silhillians 2nds who sit just above the relegation zone.
