EVESHAM Hockey Club grabbed the Vale bragging rights with a thrilling 4-3 win at Pershore in West Midlands League Division Two.

The fifth-placed visitors' greater quality going forward was the difference but Gareth Rushton opened the scoring for Pershore with a well-timed deflection.

Evesham piled on the pressure and added three quick goals through Stuart Bearcroft to lead 3-1 at half-time.

Fourth-placed Pershore showed fighting spirit and a mazy Steve Ridsdale run set up Russ McGettigan to pull a goal back.

Evesham responded well and the Pershore defence conceded a penalty flick which Bearcroft duly converted.

With five minutes left, the Evesham keeper deflected the ball into his own net but they held out the remaining nervy few minutes to claim the win.

The seconds match saw Pershore triumph 7-3 with Ali Sanderson (5), Mark Passmore and Tom Quantrell scoring. Ian Hartwell, Andy Mabbett and Jamie Powell scored for the hosts.

Pershore thirds lost 3-0 to Old Wulfrunians.

Meanwhile, Pershore drew 1-1 at Tenbury in Worcestershire Women's League Division One, struggling to get pace on the ball on the pitch.

Kelly Jones, Sam Witherford and Emily Capaldi broke up play well and fed wingers Kate Adams and Zoe Nicholson.

Tenbury defended well but Emma Gardner and Nicki Sheppard created opportunities with Adams giving the visitors a 1-0 interval lead.

The hosts responded strongly in the second period and Pershore had to sit back before conceding the equaliser to a short corner.

Pershore have a derby at Badsey on Saturday.