DROITWICH Spa Hockey Club's women's firsts opened their friendlies with a 4-2 home win over Worcester thirds.

Spa's Abigail Latham scored an excellent deflection after Lorna Davidson fiercely hit the ball to the back stick.

Another swift break saw Georgie Lott net after the Worcester keeper smothered an effort.

Captain Claire Derby became more influential in the middle of the park and helped force a penalty corner which Lucy Hine scored from.

Worcester replied twice to set up a tense finale but Hine scored her second from a penalty corner to ensure victory.

A young seconds side won 6-1 at Redditch after falling behind.

Jenny Hewlett and Sam Wakelam put Spa 2-1 ahead by half-time.

Georgie Gibbs capped an excellent second half with four goals.

Spa men's firsts lost 8-1 at home to Ludlow with players making their senior debuts including Sam Radford.

Ludlow were ruthless and two quick breakaways put them up after 17 minutes with  a third added in the first period.

Spa reduced the areas in the second half but Ludlow responded with another five goals.

Droitwich host Evesham on Saturday (1.30pm).

The seconds lost 2-0 to Leominster after falling behind to their opponents on the counter-attack.

After half time Steve Far and Paul Woodward controlled the midfield but Ludlow completed the scoring from a penalty corner.

Spa visit Evesham on Saturday (3pm).