WORCESTER women’s seconds went back to the top of Worcestershire Hockey League Division One with a 2-1 win over title rivals Bromsgrove.

Clare Hayes put the hosts ahead from a short corner in a hard-fought game at Nunnery Wood.

Libby Wycherley deflected in a second following a Lucy Merrett shot in open play.

Bromsgrove came out fighting in the second half and Worcester’s defence did all they could.

There was a stop on the line from Becca Bramhall and keeper Jenny Ross-Thomas pulled off fine saves.

A converted penalty corner helped the visitors make it 2-1 with time to spare.

But Worcester showed why they top the table for goals, continuing to attack though without success.

Their defence showed grit and determination to keep Bromsgrove at bay.

In the dying minutes a penalty corner made it tense but putting bodies on the line meant Worcester could clear to secure victory.

The thirds thrashed Bromsgrove fourths 6-0 in Division Two.

Despite being strong from the start, they had to defend against an early penalty corner.

Worcester’s forwards dominated with support from the midfield and put them 2-0 ahead by half-time.

They kept up the pressure with four more goals in the second period.

Olivia Fletcher (2), Lizzie Morris (2), Jess Waddington and Charlotte Pawson were on target.

The fourths won 4-1 against Droitwich Spa seconds to move up to fourth in Division Three.

The game started well with a different line-up proving effective.

Worcester led 1-0 at half-time with a goal from Caitlin Davis.

The second period started in wet, windy and dark conditions and Droitwich replied.

But Worcester scored three more through Cat Lucas (2) and Byrony Miller.

The men’s teams had one rearranged Midland League fixture as the sevenths lost 5-0 at Edgbaston sixths.

The first 20 minutes saw Worcester go three goals down, leading to a small reorganisation of formation.

They did not concede again until letting two in early in the second half.

Worcester fought back, creating a few chances without scoring.

In friendlies the firsts lost 3-0 to Lichfield and the fifths beat Lichfield 3-1 thanks to Paul Sharratt and Tom Howard (2).

The girls’ under 14s responded well to a tough loss to Cheltenham with a 3-1 win against Clifton Robinsons.

Worcester Badgers Pippins beat Cheltenham 9-1 in a friendly with four from Harry Dorman and Finn Goodman’s third hat-trick in as many weeks.