A LAST-DAY 2-1 defeat at Redditch ended the slim promotion hopes of Ludlow Hockey Club men’s first XI.

Ludlow’s main consolation was that even victory would not have been enough to go up as the top two in West Midlands One – Market Drayton and Stourport – both won anyway.

The seconds finished third-bottom of the Midlands North West Four division after a 6-1 home loss to Lichfield sixths.

Ludlow Ladies finished second-bottom of the Shropshire League after rounding off their campaign with a 2-0 defeat at Wem and Market Drayton seconds.

Tenbury Ladies lost 2-0 at home to Bromsgrove seconds in Worcestershire League Division One but will secure sixth spot if they win at home to Pershore this Saturday.

Tenbury Ladies’ seconds suffered a surprise setback in their bid for a top-four finish in Worcestershire Division Three as they lost 3-1 at struggling Kings Heath Pickwick seconds.