HOCKEY: WARWICK returned from a trip to Staffordshire with a win in the bag after getting the better of an eight-goal contest.
The county town side were helped when a reverse stick shot helped Warwick take an uncharacteristic lead against North Stafford in the opening ten minutes.
Skipper Tim soon added to Warwick’s tally with a simple tap-in following some strong build up play in the midfield.
It was soon 3-0 when man of the match Dave Bryce converted a short corner before North Stafford responded with a marker of their own to keep the game competitive.
A second goal for the skipper ensured Warwick held a 4-1 lead at half time – but the second half proved to be a more even contest as North Stafford fought back.
A goal from a short corner brought the sides within two-goals before Warwick scored with an empty net effort.
North Staffs enjoyed a lot of possession in the closing stages of the game, but with their drag flicker off the pitch they failed to capitalise on a couple of short corners.
They did however get a third goal following an interception. T
The game ended 3-5 and Warwick took the three points back down the M6.
2nd XI
Following an eventful trip to Telford last weekend, Warwick returned to winning form against Redditch.
The 2s started strongly but suffered an early setback as the visitors struck a painful blow from a breakaway to score the first goal with barely five minutes gone.
Undeterred, Warwick took control of possession and retained the ball well, pushing Redditch back into their 23 metre zone.
After half time, Warwick controlled possession similarly to before, and Bowler and Gale started to push even further up the pitch to support the attack.
Just as it looked like the game would get away from Warwick, Dellow picked the ball up on the left and found space in the D to put the ball high into the far right of the goal to level the scores.
Warwick had looked like they were beginning to gain the upper hand, but in an instant another Redditch breakaway resulted in a close range shot hitting the outside of the post, serving as another reminder to Warwick how close the contest had become.
With ten minutes to go, Warwick forced another attack, only to shoot wide of the Redditch goal.
From the resulting 16 yard free hit, Dellow, who found space on the left and crossed into the D, drawing the keeper towards him.
He unselfishly squared to Selby who had sprinted into the space and was able to slap the ball into the empty goal.
There was relief for Warwick at the final whistle, but it was a well-fought and hard-earned victory.
