WORCESTER Hockey Club men’s over 50s lost at the last hurdle in the English Hockey Summer Cup.

They were beaten 5-2 by Taunton Vale at Oxford in the Tier One final.

Vale took an early two-goal lead as Worcester struggled to get their passing game going. The city side gradually grew in confidence and started to take control.

Their improved performance was rewarded with a penalty corner firmly struck into the corner of the net by Paul Sharratt before half-time.

Worcester started the second period well and were denied a penalty flick when a shot seemed to strike a Taunton defender on the foot on the goal line.

Instead they were knocked back by two goals in quick succession from Vale.

Worcester pushed forward in search of goals but left gaps at the back and Taunton scored a fifth.

They were determined to reduce the deficit though and scored the final goal of the match through a Brett Pittam strike with just two minutes left.