REDDITCH Hockey Club’s men’s first team were beaten in a seven-goal thriller against Cannock.
Redditch men’s first team were edged out 4-3 by Cannock who opened the scoring from a two-on-one situation before Andy Billingham drew the Kingfishers level with a low drag flick.
Both sides received a caution in a fractious first half as Cannock restored their lead early in the second period from a deflected shot before taking a two-goal lead despite the best efforts of Redditch goalkeeper Joe Cardy.
Redditch responded again when Jacob Beard scored from a rocket of a short corner before Jack Gwyer netted a sensational reverse hit to equalise from a counter down the right wing.
However, Cannock struck back immediately with their fourth and final goal from a well-worked short corner.
The men’s second team fared better as they beat Kings Heath 4-2 despite falling behind to an early goal.
However, Redditch regrouped and tweaked their system to take control of the game as Lee Beedon and Josh Checkley both scored twice.
The men’s third team thrashed Old Silhillians 5ths 7-0 and started strongly as Elliot Ford hit the post whilst Miller Glen and Leo Jones both went close.
Redditch took the lead through Hadley Kilkenny’s first senior goal from Wayne Beard’s pass before Glen and Kilkenny netted to put the Kingfishers in command.
Glen then scored his second of the game with a calm finish before completing his hat-trick late on whilst his brother, Marshall, scored from a penalty corner and Jones netted at the front post to complete the rout.
Elsewhere, Redditch women’s 2nds won 4-1 at City of Birmingham 2nds and were rewarded for some early pressure when Ava Goodman broke the deadlock.
City of Birmingham equalised shortly before half time only for Redditch to respond with goals from Holly Hancocks, Alice Wright and Tula Williams to seal a deserved victory.
Lastly, Redditch Badgers won 6-0 against Evesham and Badsey Badgers as Theo Cook scored yet another hat-trick.
Ethan Cook scored from a penalty corner before Elsie Simpson scored after a well-timed run and finish at the back post and Arran Smith completed the scoring.
