EIGHT days that could shape their league and cup destinies await Ludlow Hockey Club’s men’s first XI as they seek glory on two fronts.

In between two key West Midlands Division One games against Pershore and Stafford, Ludlow also travel to the latter this Sunday in the National Championship last 16.

Ludlow reached the final of that competition in 2016, losing to Hazelmere at the Olympic Stadium in London – and skipper Sam Pratt says they are hungry to go one step better.

He said: “We probably want the cup more than anything this season, to go down to London again like we did four years ago.

“I think you get more out of it – if you go up in the league, great, but we haven’t got that much depth, while to get to a national final is something you’ll always remember.

“The lads who were there last time want to do it again and the ones who weren’t there have been told how awesome it was.

“We messed up in the final, it was 2-2 and we were holding our own but we went for the win in the last 20 minutes and maybe we should have sat back.

“But you learn from your mistakes and you never know, this year might be our year.

“We haven’t lost to Stafford in two years, we beat them this season and in pre-season so we have a good record against them. It will be tough but I’m confident we will do it.”

Ludlow are also still slap bang in promotion contention, third in West Midlands One with the top four separated by four points in the race for two promotion spots.

They thrashed Tamworth 5-1 last Saturday and victory at Pershore would set up a massive six-pointer at home to Stafford seven days later.

“It’s all up for grabs,” added Pratt.