DROITWICH Men's Hockey Club Firsts kept up their promotion challenge after crushing title rivals and table toppers Leamington 5-1.

The hosts went into their first DTZ Midlands Hockey fixture since the winter break four points behind the leaders, knowing only a win would keep them in contention.

Spa's early pressure paid off when Ed Deacon opened the scoring and continued pressure saw the lead extended when Barry Williams netted from a tight angle. Leamington pulled a goal back just before half time but Deacon gave Spa some breathing space at 3-1 midway through the second half.

With the visitors desperate for goals Droitwich took advantage of the two-goal cushion and added a further goal from Nick Bates before Andy Harris supplied a perfect cross for Deacon's hat-trick.

Next up for Droitwich is a visit to fellow promotion chasing Redditch.