HOCKEY: YARDLEY didn’t start the new year as they would’ve wanted to after crashing to 5-0 and 4-0 losses at the weekend.
The two losses restricted Yardley’s progress in the MRHA Hockey League West Midlands 1, though opponents Kings Heath and Droitwich cashed in while they could.
Against Kings Heath, Yardley attacked from the whistle and alsmost scored in the opening minute – only for a brave intervention to stop the visiting side in their tracks.
Though the hard-working midfield aimed to keep Yardley’s attacking attitude flowing, Kings Heath were soon to score their first goal – which quickly became three before half time.
Neal Makepeace in the Yardley goal kept out several chances for the hosts, but two further markers in the second half put the result beyond doubt.
Meanwhile on Sunday Yardley faced nearest rivals Droitwich with a depleted side.
The hosts scored first before Yardley applied some defensive shape to restrict the home side scoring further.
But they were denied any breakaway opportunities as the score remained 1-0 at the break.
Little could be done to stop a rampant Droitwich side in the second half though as their lead was doubled before two late goals clinched the win.
Yardley begin the second half of the league with a home game against Old Wulfrunians this weekend.
