LUDLOW Hockey Club staged a thrilling fightback to beat visitors West Bromwich in the West Midlands Premier Division.

With a number of players missing, the omens were not good for the home side but they started brightly, opening the scoring through Andy Richards following a weaving run.

West Brom rallied though and eased their way to a 4-1 interval lead, making their hosts pay for a number of missed chances earlier in the half.

The second period saw some more good work from Ludlow but it took 15 minutes to add to their tally when a Stuart Richards shot was turned into his own net by a West Brom defender.

Further goals followed from Graham Hutchinson, Gavin Hughes and Stuart Richards as the home side turned the game around in a glorious 12-minute spell.

Meanwhile, Ludlow Ladies, who were only formed in September, began the year with a 7-0 defeat at Bridgnorth in the Shropshire League.

The home side opened the scoring after two minutes and despite some stout defending, they opened up a five-goal lead at the break.

Two more followed in the second half while Ludlow did manage to get into their opponents D and were awarded a short corner.