MALVERN Ladies returned to their winning ways despite fielding only ten players.

HARBOURNE IV 2, MALVERN LADIES 6

Malvern started their return to league hockey with a decisive win over Harbourne. They started quickly with a sweeping strike from Lucy Smith to take the lead, followed by a delicate touch from Laura MaCloud to score the second. The attack benefited from plentiful supply of quality balls from a positive Anna Macloud.

Despite stout defending from Liz Macann and Emma Spicer the Malvern defence were unable to stop a deflected touch from a Harbourne short corner on the halftime whistle.

Senior player Hillary Forecast marshaled the youngsters and inspired confidence to keep attacking which was vindicated with three more goals. Lucy Smith taking a personal tally of three for the match and Laura MacCloud two.

The sixth goal was scored by Malvern's midfielder Helen Barnes

Coach Paul Smith feels this performance shows how far Malvern Ladies have come this season after promotion.