Stourport Hockey Club's men's 1st XI fought out a 1-1 draw when they hosted the top-of-the-table Nottingham University 2nd XI in the National League Midlands Conference.

The university side began strongly taking the lead early into the first quarter, but, Stourport hit back on the stroke half time, Leo Delves finishing smartly after an Andy Cavendish penalty corner was saved. 

Stourport created opportunities in the second half but couldn't find the decisive breakthrough.  

The men’s 5th XI travelled to local rivals Worcester where they came away with a 0-3 victory that leaves, them two points behind the leaders of the Midland Division 10 South West league.

Stourport began the match well creating a number of early attacks but was unable to create any clear scoring opportunities.

Worcester saw more of the ball as the half progressed, and tested the Stourport defence, it was Stourport who took the lead though, in the 26th minute, when Steve Jones converted a well-worked short corner routine.

Stourport’s performance improved in the second half as the visitors dominated large periods of the play and extended their lead, in the sixtieth minute, after Mark Darch drove into the D and placed a reverse stick shot through the keeper's legs onto the backboard. 

Stourport continued to press forward and ten minutes later after some good passing hockey John Kane added the visitors third finishing off a good move when he was on hand at the back post.

The ladies' 2nd XI had a tough day when they travelled to take on the University of Birmingham’s 4th XI side in the Midlands Division 1, and came away on the wrong end of a 0-4 scoreline.

Birmingham pressured from the start and overloaded Stourport’s defence. Stourport fought back with four missed short corners. The visitors never allowed their heads to drop and continued to fight throughout the match but to no avail.

The ladies 3rd XI beat their visitors, Worcester 2nd XI, 6-0 in their Midlands Division 3 South West. Worcester three places above Stourport in the league pushed forward in the opening minutes of the match but Stourport's defence stood firm giving the home side a base, to begin to pressure the Worcester goal. 

Despite increased pressure from the home side Worcester, still looked dangerous and the Stourport defence had to be aware to nullify the Worcester attacks.

If Worcester couldn't find a way through the Stourport defence then the home forwards were having better luck at the other end with goals by Sarah Cavendish, Fran Moss, Holly Smith, Lora Miller-Symonds, and a brace by Stephanie Collins rounding off a 6-0 victory.

Worcester was always in this match and never let heads drop, attacking the Stourport goal right to the final whistle.

Report submitted by Stourport Hockey Club

* Names without surnames are junior players.

Photographs by: Sara Jennings