WORCESTER men’s firsts suffered their first home defeat of the season 5-3 to joint Warwick Printing Midlands Premier Hockey League leaders Harborne.

Top-scorer Tom Schubert notched his third hat-trick in as many weeks to give the hosts hope but a clinical display in front of goal ensured Harborne took away all three points.

Despite losing player-coach Jon Sprague to an early hamstring injury, third-from-bottom Worcester played fine attacking hockey and matched Harborne on opportunities in the first half.

Their defensive lines, led by man-of-the-match James Cosh, worked tirelessly to deny Harborne clear opportunities.

The deadlock was finally broken on 25 minutes and the visitors extended their lead just before the break.

Early in the second half, Matt Brace’s long passing caused problems and Chris Perry found Schubert in the D to fire home.

Schubert levelled on 51 minutes from a penalty corner after a drive forward from Matt Kettley saw him tripped in the D.

But Harborne responded with two quick goals and added a fifth goal before both team started losing players to the sin-bin. 

Midfielder Joe Schubert created problems for Harborne and won a penalty flick, which brother Tom converted to seal his treble with five minutes left.

Worcester visit Bournville, who are one place above them, on Saturday.

Will Hood scored as the seconds lost 5-1 at Harborne in the West Midlands Premier Division.

But the thirds thrashed Burton 5-1 in Midland Division One thanks to goals from Ollie Betteridge, Brett Pittam (2), Jack Ferman and Jordan Webb.

Burton snatched a late consolation as Worcester went up to fourth in the league.

The fourths won 2-1 at their Edgbaston counterparts in the West Midlands Premier Division.

Worcester fifths lost 3-1 at home to Stourport fourths in a county derby.

They produced a fine display against strong opposition as Matt Sharratt put them ahead after good work from James Quinn and Tom Scotson.

But Stourport levelled 10 minutes from time despite the efforts of keeper James Hurley and went on to win.

In South West Division One, top-of-the-table Worcester sevenths beat Stratford fourths 3-1 but the sixths went down 3-1 at Old Halesonians fourths.

Meanwhile, Worcester eighths fell 8-0 at Hampton-in-Arden fourths in South West Division Two.

They did their best defensively but lost Russell Boatmen, who went to hospital with a twisted knee.

Keeper Garth Davies was voted man of the match as Worcester conceded four goals in each period.