A HAT-TRICK from Caroline Siddle guided Droitwich Spa Hockey Club to a 4-2 victory over rivals Bromsgrove in their opening fixture of Worcestershire Division League Two.
Two of her goals came in the first half as Spa moved out in front before the heat took its toll. With Droitwich starting to tire due to the sweltering conditions, Bromsgrove exploited this to level the game midway through the second period.
But Droitwich regathered themselves and edged ahead when Siddle netted her third before Lucy Hine ensured victory for her side.
Bromsgrove got their revenge against Droitwich Ladies’ Seconds with a 5-1 thrashing. Anna Weston capped an attacking first few minutes when she swept the ball home.
But two quick goals just before the break turned the match around as Bromsgrove then kicked on with three more in the second half.
Meanwhile, Droitwich Men’s Thirds started their 2015/16 campaign with a 2-1 defeat to Bridgnorth.
Spa dominated from the first minute and the pressure finally told at the end of the first half when Nick Bates provided the finishing touch from a neat move.
Bridgnorth were then reduced to ten men and Spa had further chances to extend their lead as Shaun Laight was unfortunate to see an effort go agonisingly wide when through one-on-one.
And Droitwich were left to rue their missed opportunities as Bridgnorth scored two quick goals to secure the win.
