ANDREW Richards smashed four goals to help Ludlow Hockey Club to a 5-2 win against Hereford in their first pre-season friendly.

Ludlow started the game at a fast pace and surprised Hereford with the unorthodox skill of their forwards.

Richards scored two excellent fields goals in the first 10 minutes, with Joy Haywood providing both assists.

Hereford reduced the arrears before half-time, but Ludlow were indebted to the goal-scoring mood of Richards.

He bagged another two goals after the break, with Haywood also scoring his first goal for the club.

Haywood stepped into the first team after featuring in the second team last season.

Jack Phasey and Jake Watts also made the step up.

Hereford did have chances of their own towards the end of the game, but were only able to convert one of them.

It was less joy for Ludlow 3rd though as they went down 9-2 to Droitwich.

The Worcestershire side were 4-0 up after 10 minutes, but to Ludlow's credit, they withstood further pressure, with Jake Wood excelling at left-back.

After the break, Mark Sandell rounded several players to set up Charlie Lyth to put Ludlow on the score-sheet, but Droitwich had too many experienced players for Ludlow to contend with and capitalised for any mistakes.

Mike Wilson grabbed Ludlow's other goal.

This Saturday sees all three teams facing their Shrewsbury counterparts at Meole Brace.