Worcester hammer in eight

IN their latest DTZ sponsored Midlands Hockey League Division One game, Worcester Norton ran out easy winners against a poor relegation-threatened Old Halesonians side.

Worcester were 5-0 up in the first half through five converted penalty corners with Chris Adams grabbing a hat-trick and his England Under 18 colleague Alex Kotlarzewski scoring two.

In the first half Worcester were completely dominant with keeper Ben Taylor being untroubled and the central defensive partnership of James Cosh and Ian Ewers being allowed to ex-change passes across the width of the pitch without an opposition player putting them under any pressure.

The second half followed in similar fashion, but with Old Halesonians retreating even further into their own half on a damage limitation exercise, space to create any penetrative hockey was severely limited.

This did not prevent Worcester scoring another three goals with Jon Sprague notching two and Marvin Bam adding to his season's ever growing tally.

Late in the game Old Halesonians were aw-arded a penalty flick for a stick tackle inside the Worcester circle which they scored.

Worcester visit Sikh Union on Saturday (2pm).

WORCESTER 2nds 1 LEEK 8

Worcester started this DTZ Leaguee fixture with a very weakened team and no goalkeeper.

The first half started off quite well only conceding two goals.

Worcester struggled in the second half and lost spirit.

They conceded six more only getting one consolation goal late in the game from a great short corner flick from Jeremy Drake.

WORCESTER 3rds 4

SOLIHULL/BLOSSOMFIELD 0

Worcester romped to victory in this DTZ League game, comfortably overcoming their spirited opponents.

Ironically the scoreline flattered the away side such was the Worcester dominance.

Mark Chambers (2), Paul Sharratt and Gareth Paterson scored the goals to gain the victory.

WORCESTER 4ths 2 LEEK 4ths 5

Worcester started this bad tempered match strongly when they had the better of the play and had a shot cleared off the line.

However, it was Leek who took the lead with a well taken goal.

Worcester struck back soon after through Chris Rayers, who re-directed a shot into the bottom corner. Leek pulled ahead before the break making the half time score 2-1.

After some poor marking Leek started to pull away.

Ewan Bell put away a fine Worcester goal, but it was only a consolation.

WORCESTER 5ths 1 CANNOCK 6ths 3

Worcester dominated from the whistle and with much at stake and in need of three points to remain in contention for promotion.

Worcester's early pressure paid off when Cannock lost the ball on the half way line to centre back Matt Walker. He then proceeded with speed and skill to go round six challengers before scoring with a rocket shot.

The rest of the first half was end to end with Worcester riding high in confidence.

The second half was a different story with Cannock making a stunning recovery and after 11 minutes equalised.

Three minutes later Worcester failed to clear and Cannock netted another.

The final nail in the coffin came after 60 minutes with another fancy Cannock move.

WORCESTER 6ths 0

WOLVERHAMPTON 4ths 3

Worcester visited Wolverhampton with only nine players and no recognised goalkeeper.

There was an an early setback when Wolves scored in only the second minute.

It didn't prevent Worcester battling hard and getting to half time just the one goal down.

Andy Taylor, the stand-in keeper, made a number of saves, but could do nothing about a deflected shot that looped over his head off a defender's stick.

A third goal late on ensured Wolves took the points.

WORCESTER 7ths 3 EVESHAM 1

Worcester used their midfield to good effect, passing well and moving the ball forward to pressure Evesham's defence.

This paid off just after the first quarter with an impressive goal from Adrian Shipley.

A second from Damian Ellis provided a useful cushion for Worcester entering the second half.

Evesham started the second period well scoring quickly and reducing the deficit.

Worcester responded with fine saves from Ashley Woodwiss and a third goal from Damian Ellis.

WORCESTER BADGERS 2

STOURPORT BADGERS 2

Circumstances dictated that Worcester had to field six first timers for this local derby.

Stephanie Williams (goal) Lauren Woodwiss, Jenny Wilkes and Liz George, from the girls junior section came in, along with James Priddy and Will Herriot, both first timers.

Regulars Gareth Bannister, Tom Padden and Mark Evans were complemented by seniors Clive Kendall and Geoff Ball.

Stourport gave Worcester the run-around in the first half but could only score one goal.

The second half was better contested by Worcester and two cracking goals by Liz George put them in front. A late equaliser by Stourport gave a just result to a good game.