LUDLOW Hockey Club continued their storming second half of the season by thrashing West Bromwich 11-1 to boost their West Midlands Division One promotion push.

Craig Heath scored four, skipper Gavin Hughes netted a hat-trick and Brendan Pratt and Lawrence Richards both bagged braces in the comprehensive win.

The big victory boosted Ludlow’s goal difference to +40 and is the reason why they sit second, as they are level on points with third-placed Redditch and fourth-placed Stourport.

Ludlow – who must face both of those sides in crucial clashes before the end of the season – are also just three points behind leaders Market Drayton and have not given up on the title.

Captain Hughes said: “Market Drayton have slipped up over the last few weeks, losing two and drawing one.

“At Christmas, we were fourth, nine points off the top and six points off the promotion places, and we have made up the ground.”

This Saturday, Ludlow host eighth-placed Stafford who recently dealt leaders Drayton a shock 4-0 defeat, with Hughes warning: “We don’t want to slip up like they did.”