REDDITCH Men warmed up for West Midlands Hockey League Division One with a 7-1 win over Hampton.

With the league campaign commencing next weekend at Barlaston, the Kingfishers were keen to end their preparations on a high.

They began the first half full of confidence and goals for Callum Pace, Daniel Waite, Jacob Beard and Harry Capewell, who bagged two, sent them into a 5-0 half-time lead.

Redditch continued to boss possession into the second half and another goal was added to the tally by Johnny Styzaker, who then followed it up with another well-worked goal.

A lapse in concentration allowed Hampton to pull a goal back but, after a successful summer league campaign, Redditch are in confident mood.

The thirds team got the better of Hampton in Arden 5-2.

Hampton took advantage of Redditch’s hesitance to open the scoring after five minutes.

The Kingfishers progressed quickly following a poor start, immediately bouncing back and getting a goal from a short corner struck by Josh Baker and deflected in by Neil Cardy.

They kept the pressure on and bagged a further two goals, one for Baker – the youngest player on the team – Josh Baker and the other from the most experienced player and skipper, Wayne Beard.

Redditch went into the break 3-1 up and started the second half with the same impetus, beginning Redditch began the second half as they finished the first with a great deflection by Ethan Reeves at the back post to further their lead.

Hampton pulled one back but Harry Williams settled the game with the home team’s fifth and ensured they go into the league opener against Droitwich in confident form.

Meanwhile, the Ladies started the Worcestershire League with a creditable 1-1 draw against Harborne.

Vicky Allen had fired them ahead but the Birmingham side levelled in the second half.