EVESHAM returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory over Whitchurch in Warwick Printing Hockey League West Midlands Division One.

At full strength for the first time this season, the hosts were in charge for large periods.

They could have scored more against a well-organised side and moved above them to fifth in the table.

After weathering an early storm, Evesham managed to take control of the game.

Defenders Rich Fear, Marcus Humpston and Ashley Padfield marshalled the quick forwards well and were always aware of the counter-attacking dangers.

With Matt Haines and Mark Dufty working tirelessly in midfield, Evesham kept possession for large periods and used the attacking skills of Martin Husbands and Stuart Bearcroft to great effect.

Evesham were rewarded when Humpston continued his fine scoring rate from short corners to give them a slender lead at half-time.

The second period continued in the same vein, with Evesham creating chances and limiting Whitchurch to occasional counter-attacks.

The defence were superbly supported by keeper Dan Osborne, who produced excellent saves when required.

But the hosts were more dangerous, with Matt Grumball and Dave Trevarrow threatening down the flanks.

Bearcroft eventually opened his account with a superb reverse strike, before adding his second with a flick into the top of the net after good work from Husbands and Haines.

Evesham visit Newtown on Saturday, while third-from-bottom Pershore return after a weekend off, with a trip to high-flying Leamington.

Meanwhile, Bretforton went into the West Clubs Women’s League Premier Division ‘2A’ half-term break in the bottom three.

They suffered their fourth defeat of the season, 2-0 at home to second-placed Team Bath Buccaneers seconds.

Bret enjoyed more possession in the first 20 minutes of an end-to-end encounter. Captain Tess Lewinton fired just wide and they failed to take advantage of a short corner early in the second-half.

But Bath were awarded a controversial penalty stroke, which was despatched past keeper Vicky Watkins.

Bret defended well, despite conceding a second goal, with tireless running from their player-of-the-match Daisy Wheeler.

Bret seconds are fifth in Severn League Division Two after a 2-0 win over Ross-on-Wye.

They showed great endeavour and went ahead on 15 minutes through Ness Dufty from a short corner.

Bret kept up the pressure but felt the pace in the second-half without any substitutes to call upon.

However, they defended well through Molly Stock, Jemima Hutchison, Jess Eaves, Holly Hutchison and keeper Nat Benwell.

Andrea Cole worked hard in midfield as Bret secured a penalty corner and player-of-the-match Dufty scored looped the second goal over the keeper.