REDDITCH 2nds were crowned West Midlands 2nd Team League Division Two champions after defeating visitors Bromsgrove 3-1 on Saturday.
Bromsgrove are the Kingfishers’ arch-rivals and closest challengers and arrived knowing they needed a victory to prevent Redditch winning the league.
However, Redditch struck first when Harry Williams made a surging run into the D and found the corner of the net from a tight angle.
This only proved to spur Bromsgrove on though and the visitors levelled before half time.
The second half began with Bromsgrove searching for an early goal and sending plenty of men forward, meaning the Redditch defence comprising of Martyn Strong, Dave Baker, Matt Walton and Ian Wilmot had their work cut out.
Keeper Ben Bryant was also called into action but the hosts’ rearguard stood firm and Redditch then began to take a grip on the game as captain Dan Waite and strike partners Lee Beedon and Steve Dawes went close to scoring on numerous occasions.
Redditch finally regained the lead when a penalty corner was converted by Dave Baker with the help of a slight deflection off a defender to the delight of the Redditch supporters on the sidelines.
The home side put the outcome beyond doubt in the closing stages when they struck from another penalty as Richard Sellors managed to get down low enough to get a touch on another Baker strike.
Redditch can complete an unbeaten campaign by avoiding defeat in their final match at Kings Heath Pickwick on Saturday.
THE FIRST team moved a step closer to sealing promotion from West Midlands Division One with a 7-1 victory at Evesham & Badsey.
In the early stages the Kingfishers struggled to produce the impressive hockey they had played against promotion rivals in recent weeks and it was only just before half time they took the lead.
However, a stern half time team talk from coach Wayne Beard and a change in formation seemed to wake the visitors up and they went on to dominate possession and run out convincing winners.
Top scorer Harry Capewell scored a hat-trick, Pete Dawson bagged a brace and Jacob Beard and Tom Dunkley also netted.
Redditch can secure a second placed finish and promotion with a draw at home to bottom of the table Newtown on Saturday (1.30pm).
A DOMINANT display saw Redditch 3rds defeat hosts Leamington 12-3 in West Midlands 3rd Team League Division One.
Third placed Redditch have now scored 88 league goals this season and go into their next two games against promotion rivals Bromsgrove and Stone full of positive momentum.
Saturday’s goals were scored by George Haslam (3), Alex Beard (2), Wayne Beard (2), Josh Brown (2), Barry Fitzpatrick, Tim Gibbs and Harry Saunders.
Redditch host leaders Bromsgrove on Saturday (3pm).
The 4ths also impressed as they defeated visitors Stratford 5ths 4-3 in Central League South West Two.
Redditch Ladies were beaten 2-0 by visitors Pershore in Worcestershire League Division One despite a positive performance, whilst the Badgers XI suffered a 5-1 defeat to Droitwich. Jack Gwyer scored for Redditch.
