Redditch Hockey Club

Redditch’s two other promotion-chasing Mens teams had more to shout about, both securing solid wins.

Adrian Young’s second string were comfortable 5-0 winners away at Leamington, a much needed result after two defeats before Christmas had wiped out their lead at the top of the table.

Playing their first game since December 12^th and with midfielder Tim Gibbs return to the squad adding vital experience to the centre line, the cobwebs were quickly shaken off, with Ben Hyde grabbing the opener mid way through the half.

The Reds then controlled possession in the second half and it was no surprise to see Dave Baker extending the lead from a penalty corner.

Redditch then ran riot with Pete Dawson embarking on his now trademark dazzling run and fierce strike to make it three.

Good work from Dave Pilkington then saw the Kingfishers awarded a penalty flick, with Baker on hand to grab his second of the day.

And Baker completed his hat trick with a strike from another penalty corner.

With results going their way, Redditch now sit atop the table once more, level on points with both Streetly and Evesham, but crucially ahead on goal difference.

Barry Fitzpatrick’s Mens Thirds secured a 4-0 win at home to Evesham and are also joint-top of their league.

Tom Newton opened the scoring, with Jason Abbots adding the second before Fitzpatrick joined the party with a fierce drive from the edge of the D to send Redditch in 3-0 at the break.

The second half was not as fluid as the first however, Abbots extending the lead with another strike, but with several chances squandered Redditch missed out on a decent opportunity to improve their goal difference.