Hockey
Ladies start in style

REDDITCH LADIES began their season with a gritty performance which enabled them to defeat Badsey Ladies 3-1.

The Kingfishers enjoyed plenty of early possession but silly mistakes allowed Badsey off the hook and they took a 1-0 lead.

Heather Bradley managed to get the final touch on a shot from Anna Stafford to level the score before in the second half Redditch reverted back to playing how they play best, using the width and simple passes between each other.

This threw Badsey and they were unable to compete in the match, allowing Redditch to score two more goals - one from Bradley and the other from Brook Whitehead.

Badsey had a late surge to try and get a goal back with a string of penalty short corners, but the Redditch defence was too strong.

REDDITCH LADIES 2NDS found life tough as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Old Halesonians Ladies.

However, the one bright spot was the performance of debutant goalkeeper Layla Noel, who made some great saves and was named player of the match.

Redditch's goal came from a short corner to which Millie Vincent got the last touch to find the net with five minutes to go.

With some new players in the squad it was a good team performance and all players battled hard to the end.

REDDITCH BADGERS visited Worcester for their first away game of the season against Worcester Pippins and came away with a 3-3 draw.

Both sides started well, with shots on goal coming thick and fast from both teams, and it was Redditch's Callum Amos-Pace who broke the deadlock with an excellent shot from long range.

Redditch continued to press with good work from the midfielders but it was Worcester who replied with two goals in quick succession.

After half time Redditch came out a different side and really upped their game with improved passing, communication and team spirit starting from the back with Sharon Fish, Lucy Mottet and Anna Cardy.

Midfielders Joel and Adam Haslam and Jake Hassall continued to battle and managed to release Redditch forward Jake Porter who slotted home an equaliser.

Worcester pressed hard and regained the lead despite the excellent efforts of Joe Cardy in the visitors' goal, but relentless Redditch pressure in response was finally rewarded when Charlie Ralph managed to push the ball home in the dying moments.

The Badgers host Olton & West Warwicks tomorrow (10.30am).

Back2Hockey and RUSH hockey sessions continue on Sunday on the astro, starting at 11am. Sessions cost £2 per person. Please check the website for more details at www.redditchhc.co.uk.

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