CHRIS Adams swooped for the winner as Worcester Men's Firsts defeated rivals Gloucester 3-2 in a friendly.

But the visitors capitalised on early sluggishness from Worcester with the opening goal after Matt Brace gave the ball away.

Alex Kotlarsewski missed a penalty flick as Worcester battled back and they were eventually rewarded when Adams finished off a well-worked short corner.

The hosts pushed forward more and Jon Sprague converted James Cosh's through-ball before Gloucester rallied to equalise.

In the second-half, Adams rounded the goalkeeper to drive them into the lead.

They then held Gloucester off with solid defensive play, particularly from Ali Wilkinson and birthday boy Brace.

Worcester Seconds were held 1-1 after Olton & West Warwicks equalised with a fluke goal. The city created good chances in the first-half with Matt Walker and Ewen Bell running the rearguard ragged.

Walker was the architect in providing the opener for James Bown and although Olton levelled, Worcester then held firm through Andy Waters and Mike Perry.

The Thirds' return saw them off to a flying start with a 6-2 win over Olton.

When Worcester eventually got going, they put some good moves together and Gregor MacLeod bagged the first goal.

The second goal came from a short corner, neatly tucked away by Matt Sharratt.

Olton pulled the scores level in the second-half but then MacLeod, Sharratt, Scott Seckham and Sam Swimbourne ensured a comfortable victory in the end.

Chris Miles notched a hat-trick as Worcester Fourths triumphed 6-4 at Olton.

After conceding early on, Miles (two) and Simon Tinley put them 3-1 up at half-time and Andy Howie blasted a fourth.

Although Olton struck back, Chris Simmonds and Miles rounded off the victory.

Worcester Fifths earned a creditable 3-0 win against Olton in freezing conditions as they produced excellent hockey.

Skipper Andy Taylor hit a fine strike from the top of the 'D' and Ben Mullett turned neatly to fire the second. The third arrived mid-way through the second-half as a fine ball from Tim Martin was finished by Owen Edwards.

A stunning display saw Badgers Potters win 18-0 at Ludlow with Chris Kendall (five), Tim Young (three), Rob MacKichan (three), Chris Young (three), Josh White (two), Ollie Drew and Alex Griffith on the scoresheet.

Despite a hat-trick from Marcus Blane, Badgers Pippins lost 6-3 at home to Market Drayton.