EVESHAM and Badsey men’s firsts won 2-1 at Newent A in a hard-fought Go Crea8 Hockey League Marches Division One battle.

The first half was tight with Matthew Grumball pulling the defence together to hold back constant attacks.

Strong half-time words were required to enable E&B to push forward and create chances.

As the second half began Tom Clifford upped the tempo from midfield and the Atkin brothers combined to push Newent back.

A well-crafted penalty-corner attack finished by Adam Haycock put the visitors in front though Newent swifly levelled with one of their own.

With 10 minutes left, E&B kept piling on the pressure before another penalty corner was conceded and Matt Osbourne smashed the ball inside the far post to secure the lead.

Mike McLeod and Dan Smith shone in defence to ensure victory ahead of Saturday's home game with Hereford A.

The A team also won 2-1, this time in a tough game at home to Cheltenham D in Division Two.

After a keenly-contested first half, E&B went ahead just before the break with a well-worked attack down the left involving man of the match Calum Mason and culminating in a strong cross from Andy Osborne which was coolly finished by Richard Hall.   

Cheltenham started the second half strongly and after four consecutive short corners finally scored with a miss-hit that bobbled over the line.  

E&B responded well with increased pressure and Connor Hill made a long run to latch onto a searching pass from Andy Mabbett and forced a short corner from which Marcus Humpston found the net with a strong shot.   

Keeper Charlie Priestley made two strong saves towards the end to secure E&B's third win from four games.

E&B won 3-1 at Cirencester thirds in West Clubs Women's League Severn Division Two on a blustery day.

It was an apprehensive start with the team not having some of their key players.

There was a lot of movement from midfield in the first half but they relied on a fine save from Pip Webster.

Lydia Webster put E&B ahead by half-time with a penalty flick after their opponents illegally prevented a probable goal.

A determined Cirencester side hit back with an equaliser but the E&B defence tightened up.

The visitors' second goal was scored by Laura Moore from just inside the D, hitting the post before going in, and Lydia Webster completed the scoring.