Stourport Hockey Club sides enjoy mixed fortunes in weekend fixtures
Three ladies’ teams secured victories, while the men’s first XI suffered defeat and the ladies’ first XI earned a goalless draw
Stourport Hockey Club’s ladies’ teams enjoyed a successful weekend, with three sides recording victories, while the men’s first team suffered defeat in the Midlands Men’s Premier League.
All Stourport’s matches began with a minute’s silence in recognition of Remembrance weekend.
The men’s first XI lost 3-1 at home to Birmingham University men’s second XI but took encouragement from a positive performance.
The visitors scored twice before half-time and added a third in the 48th minute. Stourport continued to press and were rewarded with a goal in the 59th minute, although they could not find a way back into the match.
The ladies’ first XI were held to a goalless draw by Olton and Warwickshire in the Midland Conference League despite dominating possession and creating several opportunities.
Their best chance came when they were awarded a penalty flick, but Laura Price was unable to convert. Stourport also had several short corners but could not find a breakthrough.
The ladies’ second XI secured a 1-0 win against Bromsgrove’s first XI in Midlands Division 2 West.
After a goalless first half, Stourport continued to push forward and found the winner with six minutes remaining.
Amy Miller scored from a short corner, firing the ball into the bottom corner, before the home side defended resolutely to secure all three points.
Stourport’s ladies’ third development side also enjoyed a 4-1 victory against Redditch’s second XI development team.
The match was played as a friendly rather than a league fixture because Stourport were short of players and did not have a goalkeeper. A Redditch player joined the visitors to make up the numbers.
Stourport’s borrowed player scored twice, with two further goals coming from the club’s younger players, as they produced an impressive attacking display.
The ladies’ Over 35s rounded off the weekend with a 2-0 home victory over Newent Over 35s.
After a goalless first half, Georgie Rees opened the scoring with a reverse-stick strike which looped over the goalkeeper.
Jen Pritchard added a second with a tap-in at the back post to complete a deserved win for Stourport.