EVESHAM and Badsey held on to a 1-0 win over Stroud thirds to move up to second place in West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Severn Division Three.

The Vale side won three short corners in the first half and captain and player of the match Hannah Davies finally scored from the third.

Although Evesham and Badsey dominated most of the play they were denied further goals despite the wing runs of Hannah Sagar and Charlie Miller.

They secured the win with some solid defending in the second period.

Evesham and Badsey host Gloucester City fifths on Saturday.

The men’s teams both suffered defeats with the firsts losing 5-1 at Bourton and Sherborne and the seconds going down 4-1 at home to Stroud.

Callum Mason scored the first team’s only goal with Harvey Sagar on target for the seconds.

First team captain Colin Berry said: “With several key players in both teams unavailable due to injuries it was always going to be a tough day.

"Both sides battled well and created chances but were unable to convert them.

"We’ll put this one behind us and look forward to this weekend."

The first team take on Newent A at home on Saturday while the seconds travel to Newent B.

Evesham and Badsey’s Badgers under 16s sides both won in style with the White team beating Redditch 3-1 away and the Red players seeing off Kings Heath at home.

Meanwhile, Pershore men saw off visitors Bromsgrove 3-2 in West Midlands One.

The seconds romped home 7-0 at Aldridge and Walsall fourths in South West Four.