HOCKEY: Redditch 1st XI 1 Bromsgrove 1st XI 3

PETE Hall bagged a brace as Bromsgrove inflicted a rare home defeat on fierce local rivals Redditch on Saturday.

The Boars maintained their recent excellent form, winning their third match in a row, and all but ended Redditch's hopes of catching leaders Droitwich in the West Midlands Division One.

Hall opened the scoring against the run of play in the first half.

Stand-in captain Matt Russell added Bromsgrove's second in the first half.

While Redditch pulled a goal back Hall pounced again from a short corner to complete a convincing victory.

Captain Julian Court was full of praise for the team and Russell, who was in charge while in Court's absence.

He said: "Matt has done a brilliant job while I have been away.

"The team seems to have improved drastically over the last few weeks."

Bromsgrove will be aiming to keep their momentum going on Saturday when they entertain Leamington at home in Redditch on Saturday (1pm start).