NOTTINGHAM University proved why they are champions of the Warwick Printing Hockey League Midlands Premier Division with a 9-1 thrashing of Worcester.

Several teams below Worcester picked up valuable points and the city club are now just three points above the drop zone.

Saturday’s fixture against local rivals Stourport could prove crucial with just two fixtures remaining.

Stourport conceded a last-minute goal as they slipped to an agonising 1-0 defeat against West Bridgford at The Kingsway.

Worcester’s attempts to defend in numbers were quickly unpicked by the energetic Nottingham students, who took the lead after just three minutes and then went on to lead 4-0 before half time.

The second period was a similar affair with Worcester struggling to retain possession. A late consolation goal from Tom Schubert was the only high point for the visitors.

Andrew Pritchard bagged a brace for Worcester eighths in an emphatic 6-0 victory against Bromsgrove fifths.

Worcester avenged a 5-0 loss in November and showed that when they get to the ball first, pass and move, they can be dominant.

Worcester were solid in defence and it was a superb team effort to support the goals from Dom Stokes, George Pawson, Pritchard, Jacob Chakko-George and a penalty flick from Stee Preater.

The emphatic win moves Worcester to fourth in the league table with just one match remaining in the season.

Meanwhile, Stourport seconds’ trip to trip to Birmingham University in the Midlands League Premier last weekend was cancelled.

But the fourth team’s remarkable season continued in the Central League West Midlands Premiership with a 5-2 away victory against Edgbaston.

It was Stourport’s 19th win from 19 matches.

Braces from Steve Ellis and David Shepherd and a goal by Ian Evans helped continue the all-conquering run of results for the Wyre Forest outfit.