FROM seventh heaven in the league to heartbreak in the cup was how the weekend went for Ludlow Hockey Club men’s First XI.

A stunning 7-0 demolition of Edgbaston lifted Ludlow to second place in West Midlands Division One on Saturday but they narrowly slipped out of the national cup to Atherstone a day later.

Ludlow were 2-0 up inside ten minutes against Edgbaston thanks to a Sam Pratt brace and they doubled that lead by half-time.

Ieuan Hutchinson turned the third goal home from close range before skipper Gavin Davies slotted home a penalty stroke after a Edgbaston defender’s body blocked a penalty corner on the line.

Lawrence Richards made it 5-0 ten minutes into the second half and he scored again late on, as did Hutchinson to complete his own double.

Ludlow were unable to locate their scoring boots on Sunday, though, as they exited the England Hockey Cup at the fourth-round stage, losing 2-1 at home to Atherstone.

A close-range finish gave Atherstone a half-time lead and they bundled home a harshly-awarded penalty corner to make it 2-0.

With five minutes left Pratt pulled one back but Ludlow were unable to find an equaliser.

Ludlow Ladies lost 2-1 at home to Wem and Market Drayton seconds but there was a fine 4-1 win for Tenbury Ladies in their first Worcestershire League Division One game since Christmas.

Tenbury took an early lead with a well-worked goal from a penalty corner scored by Vicky Jones and Abi Davis made it 2-0 after linking well with Rachel Croxton Broom.

Kings Heath did pull one back after the break but a second goal from Jones and a cool finish from new recruit Claire Johnson gave Tenbury a comfortable win.

Tenbury Ladies’ seconds drew 1-1 against Worcester fourths with 13-year-old Scarlett Himsley voted player of the match on her debut.