LUDLOW booked their place in the final of the England Hockey Vase following a thrilling 3-2 win at Mid Sussex.

In-form forward James Pratt gave them the perfect start with a goal after just seven minutes and he was on hand to double the lead six minutes later with another superb finish.

This seemed to spur Mid Sussex into action and they reduced the arrears on 17 minutes when a penalty corner was smartly flicked home.

And just three minutes later it was all square as the home side broke clear following a long ball forward that split the high pressing defence to leave their forward one-on-one with the Ludlow keeper.

There was little between the sides now but it was the visitors who went into half-time with a narrow lead, Lawrence Richards tucking the ball away from close range after collecting an inch-perfect pass three minutes before the break.

The second half was a tense affair with both teams having their moments although it was Ludlow who looked the more threatening and a number of penalty corners brought out some top class saves by either the keeper or defenders.

Not to be outdone, Mid Sussex had more possession as the game went on and keeper Dave Hughes made a number of saves with midfielder Gavin Hughes also producing a goalline clearance.

Ludlow’s task was not helped when two players spent two minutes in the sin bin midway through the half before being reduced to ten men following another sin-bin infringement. Mid Sussex were also awarded a penalty corner which was blocked by defender Lyam Hutchinson.

The Haywards Heath side replaced their keeper with an extra outfield player in a bid to find the equaliser but the visitors saw the game out to secure their place in the final which will be at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park National Hockey Stadium on May 1.

Before then the club will be holing its Presentation Dinner on Friday with the Annual Club Mixed 7s Tournaments on April 16.