LUDLOW HC?rang in the New Year by taking on the full might of the Hereford first team in a friendly at Leominster, and made a decent fist of things before going down 4-2.

The match, like most of last weekend’s sporting programme, was in serious doubt because of the rain but it was saved by the surface water being swept from the pitch.

A patchwork Ludlow side, led by skipper Vijay Chumber, who is still recovering from injury, were level at 2-2 at the break thanks to a skilful individual goal from Jake Watts and a deft second from a nicely positioned Tom Aston.

But Hereford took their chances well in the second half and might have had more goals had it not been for some quality saves from Ludlow keeper Dave Hughes and a Josh Rowson clearance off the line.

*HOCKEY players were out in force at the South Shropshire Leisure Centre for the annual Ludlow Hockey Club Mixed Indoor 6s event on Sunday.

The morning saw a demonstration of young skills from the junior tournament which was won by the Blacks. Some exciting and enchanting hockey thrilled the crowd.

In the afternoon the senior players blew away their Christmas cobwebs with some frantic play and dynamic encounters. The overall winners were the Yellow side, led by Graham Hutchinson, who won each of their games to bank maximum points.

The successful event, supported by a strong background crew of officials, proved another feather in the cap for Ludlow Hockey Club.