Men's Firsts enjoy a magnificent seven

HOCKEY

STRATFORD Men’s Firsts powered to a seventh successive win with a 2-0 away win at Harborne Seconds.

The victory, courtesy of goals from Oli Needham and Bertie Cook, left the men six points clear of second-placed Olton and West Warwicks in Midlands Two.

On Saturday, they entertain Loughhorough Town Seconds.

Stratford Men’s Seconds went down 4-1 at home to Solihull Blossomfield, with Stuart Guise the scorer.

The Thirds swept aside hosts Ashby 7-0 after goals from James Brookes (3) Matt Cumberworth, Matt Squance, David Grumball, while the Fifths were 5-1 winners at Old Silhillians 4ths. Richard Hyde scored a hat-trick and Oli Dix got the fourth.

Stratford Ladies paid the price for missed chances as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Harborne in Midlands Feeder West. Gemma Dale had fired Stratford ahead.

The Ladies’ Seconds netted four times in the first half in a 4-0 victory at home to Edgbaston 3rds, with goals from Catherine Smith, Emily Finlyson, Gesni Caitlin and Esther Rippon.

For a full round-up of all the teams, plus success for the juniors, see this week’s Herald.