REDDITCH Hockey Club’s Men’s first team began the new season with a 3-1 win against Solihull Blossomfield.
However, Redditch did not have it all their own way as a slow start allowed Solihull to open the scoring as the visitors capitalised on a loose pass.
That goal sparked Redditch into life as Jacob Beard equalised with a flicked finish into the bottom right corner from a short corner.
And Dan Jakeman completed the turnaround when he deflected a well-worked move into the net before Beard grabbed his second from another short corner with a reverse stick shot to wrap up the win.
However, the Men’s second team were beaten 5-3 by Solihull Blossomfield 2nds despite racing into a two-goal lead thanks to strikes from Lee Beedon and Ethan Smith.
Solihull improved after the break as they scored five goals to take the game away from Redditch as Harry Gwyer grabbed a consolation goal for the visitors with a calm finish.
Redditch’s third team thrashed Worcester 7ths 10-0 in a dominant performance to start the campaign.
The team has been strengthened by some emerging youngsters as six different players were on the scoresheet in a resounding victory.
Miller Glen, Marshall Glen, Mark Gosnell and Wayne Beard all scored two apiece with Russ Baldwin and Ben MacFarland also on target.
Redditch Ladies second team made the perfect start to the new season with a 3-1 derby win against Bromsgrove’s fifth side.
The visitors played without a goalkeeper and kept the ball out of their own D at all costs as Bromsgrove managed just a single shot on target all afternoon.
Pheobe Kershaw’s strong strike from open play put Redditch ahead before a quick breakaway saw Bromsgrove draw level as they easily finished into an open goal.
However, Redditch scored two further goals from short corners to take the points as Becki Clarke’s powerful strikes were saved by the Bromsgrove goalkeeper and deflected in by Jo Reaney and Teagan Guilfolye.
The foundations for their win were set by Ava Goodman, who joined the team from the Badgers squad, as she made several clean and skilful tackles to keep Bromsgrove at bay for much of the game.
Lastly, the club’s Badgers squad drew 3-3 with Bromsgrove as several new players experienced a full 11-a-side game for the first time.
Redditch started nervously and conceded two early goals before the introduction of a goalkeeper, on loan from Bromsgrove, saw them grow in confidence.
And Redditch reduced the deficit when Kilkenny met Simpson’s dangerous cross from the right to score.
Redditch drew level when Cook drove into the area and scored with an early shot only for Bromsgrove to restore their lead within five minutes as the ball trickled over the line.
However, Redditch equalised once again through debutant Smith who produced a fine finish out of the goalkeeper’s reach to secure a share of the spoils.
Redditch almost took home all of the points only for Cook’s effort at the death to come agonisingly back off the post.
