AN earlier start, because of a double-booked pitch, worked in Devizes favour after their two and a half hour journey.

With the home side caught out by the changes, Devizes started better and within five minutes Phoebe Lomax picked up a rebound and pushed the ball home.

The speed in the attacking line from from Chrissie Wheeler, Jo Catling and Amy Hannaford was too much for the Leominster defence and 6X man of the match Amy Hannaford scored the second before two from Catling made it four before half time.

A superb through-ball from Xanthe Smith allowed Hannaford to cross for Catling’s hat-trick for the only goal of the second half.

MORE HOCKEY REPORTS & PICTURES IN THURSDAY'S GAZETTE & HERALD