EVESHAM and Badsey could not follow up their opening win after suffering a 4-1 defeat at Leamington in Warwick Printing Hockey League West Midlands Division One.

With a changed side, Evesham struggled to find early rhythm against fit, well-organised opposition.

The visitors defended resolutely with Marcus Humpston and Richard Fear outstanding in defence.

But Leamington eventually beat keeper Dan Osborne just before half time.

Evesham failed to make the most of their short corners and lost Matt Haines to a facial and leg injury.

As Leamington illegally prevented a goal, Humpston converted the penalty stroke to draw level before the break.

Evesham’s 10 men were down to nine when Humpston was sin-binned after being frustrated at some controversial umpiring decisions.

Matt Grumball, Martin Husbands and Dave Trevarrow worked tirelessly but Leamington killed the game off with two quick goals and added a late fourth.

Evesham visit Oswestry on Saturday. The Badgers team started the season with a 3-0 victory at Bromsgrove.

Tom Perry and Ed Betteridge (2) scored the goals.

Meanwhile, Pershore lost 3-0 at home to Bloxwich in West Midlands Division One for their second consecutive defeat.

A more determined visiting side scored after just five minutes as they bagged all their goals in the first-half.

Pershore, who head to Yardley on Saturday, only prevented more goals by fine defending from Andy Gardner, Paul Murphy and man-of-the-match Mike Doust.

The 10-man seconds fell 7-0 at Wednesbury in West Midlands Two despite a fine performance from keeper Tom Metson.

The thirds beat Droitwich fourths 2-0 in the Fathoms League thanks to a Paul Grummitt first-half brace.

Pershore women lost 5-0 at Barford Tigers in Worcestershire League Division One as Zoe Nicholson, Emily Capaldi and Nicki Shephard were kept busy defensively.

Bretforton lost 3-0 at home to promoted Cheltenham seconds in West Clubs Women's League Premier Division 2A.

They started well with captain Tess Lewinton and Sarah Hall leading the attack.

But Cheltenham soaked up early pressure and broke through a stubborn home defence late in the first period.

Keeper Vicky Watkins prevented further goals along with player-of-the-match Polly Christian in defence until Cheltenham extended the scoreline to 3-0.