HOCKEY: WARWICK bounced back to winning ways in the Midland League Division One after coming from two goals down to edge past Old Hales 4-3 in what was a seven-goal thriller on Saturday afternoon.
After last week’s 0-0 draw at Bridgnorth, Warwick knew they had to be more clinical in front of goal this time around but despite a positive start they found themselves 2-0 down inside the opening ten minutes.
Knowing they were playing the better hockey, the hosts continued to press for openings and one came when some neat play by the forwards won a short corner which was despatched by Bryce to make it 2-1.
The hosts continued to press and the equaliser soon came thanks to a moment of brilliance form Hobbs, who beat two defenders before volleying the ball past the helpless Old Hales keeper.
The end-to-end contents continued after the break but it was Warwick who came out flying and they got their noses in front for the first time in the match when William-Ellis’s shot took a deflection on its way into the back of the net.
Both teams continued in their pursuit of goals in what was a superb spectacle for the neutral.
With five minutes remaining and after Warwick had wasted opportunities, a counter attack allowed Old Hales to level the score again at 3-3.
But Warwick heads did not drop and relentless pressure in the final five minutes told, with Stickley getting the winner to keep them hot on the heels of third-placed Sutton Coldfield.
There were also plenty of goals when Warwick’s third team hosted Stourport with both sides playing out an entertaining 3-3 draw.
Warwick gained the upper hand in the first half when Nick Baker’s drag flick was initially saved but not cleared and David Harris was in the right place to force the ball past the keeper.
It remained 1-0 at half-time but after the break Warwick lost the ball in bad positions and got caught on the break as they conceded three times.
Warwick’s pressure and self belief paid off when they were rewarded with two goals from John Kane earning the home side a share of the spoils.
A brace from John Sawdon set Warwick’s fourth team on their way to a 4-2 victory over Sutton Coldfield, while the fifth team drew 2-2 against Coalville.
In the ladies section, Warwick welcomed Belper Ladies in what was only their second fixture since returning from the winter break.
Warwick took the game to their opponents by pressing hard and pressuring their defence and it did not take long for this early pressure to pay off.
Helen Barron drove into the D and found Kirstin Bryce who slotted the ball past the keeper to make it 1-0.
Belper fought back and despite the hard work of Warwick’s defence, a momentarily lapse in concentration saw a Belper player left unmarked to pull the visitors level.
But Warwick were not deterred and after stepping up their work rate Lucy McEvoy, in her new role as left midfielder, pounced on a rebound to earn Warwick a 2-1 victory.
