CAPTAIN Mark Moss believes that Stourport’s men’s team are ready for the challenge of the newly formed Conference West.

They start the new campaign against Surrey side Old Georgians at their new home venue at Bromsgrove School, aiming to make a winning start in the new division.

The club has heavily strengthened the squad, which finished fourth in the National Division North last season.

Forward Andrew Langlands has joined from Premier Division side Cannock, while former Gloucester and Guildford midfielder Matt Fairburn has also linked up with the club.

Stourport have also joined forces with Bromsgrove School, which will see many of their juniors play for the club.

It means that England under-21 Chris Griffiths, who is already a member of Stourport, and young gun Aiden Simons will be available for Stourport’s first team.

“We have kept the core of the squad that has done so well and really added to it,” commented the captain.

“We have had 26 players in training and that means we have more strength in depth.

“We have also added Andrew Langlands and Matt Fairburn, who have lots of experience playing in the Premier Division for Cannock and Gloucester.

“We have also linked with Bromsgrove School and will have a lot of their talented players in our teams.”

Meanwhile Will Pearce has left Stourport to join Cannock, while Rob Allen has gone to Loughborough University.

But the strong squad will have a challenge on their hands in the newly formed Conference West after a restructuring by the EHA.

The sport’s governing body has created a two-tier system, with three feeder leagues below the Premier Division.

It means that a good season could see Stourport playing in the top flight next season.

Moss said: “We are in a division with a lot of good quality teams and I believe that will only benefit us in the long run.

“The restructuring means we are only a level below the Premier Division, so it’s going to be a challenge but we are well-equipped.

“Last season there were games that we knew we would win because of the quality of the opposition, it will be different now.”

With seven men’s teams, four ladies, junior sides and veteran sides, the club welcomes players of all ages and abilities.

Anyone wishing to join the club can go to www.stourport-hc.co.uk or send an email to feedback@stourport-hc.co.uk Training at the club is on Wednesdays between 8pm and 10pm for the ladies and men, while junior training starts on Wednesday, October 1 between 6.30pm and 8pm.

Stourport’s ladies fourth team lost 6-3 to Tamworth’s third team, with Chloe Marshall-Walker (2) and Denise Brandon scoring.