Stourport Hockey Club ladies win as men’s 2nd XI earn first point
Stourport’s ladies’ 3rd XI won 3-0 at Worcester, while the men’s 2nd XI earned their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw against Stratford
Stourport Hockey Club’s men’s 2nd XI secured their first point of the season with a 1-1 draw away to Stratford 2nd XI in the Midlands Open Men’s Division 5 West.
With only 11 players available, Stourport faced a strong start from Stratford, who were relegated alongside them last season.
However, the return of Owen Harris, Harry McIntyre, Ian Roberts and David Stokes helped Stourport weather the early pressure and grow into the game.
The visitors took the lead after Roberts dribbled the ball through the circle following a long corner. His shot was given the finishing touch by John Kane in front of the goalkeeper.
Stratford equalised from a penalty corner, with the ball finding the top-left corner as Stourport goalkeeper Kasim Abbas was caught flat-footed.
Both teams pushed for a winner in the second half. Dylan Turner was unable to convert a clear chance for Stourport, while defenders Ben Browne, Rich Collins and Kyle Gayne held firm against Stratford’s attacks.
The home side won several penalty corners late on, but two excellent saves from Abbas prevented them from snatching victory. The match finished 1-1, a result that reflected the contest.
Stourport’s men’s 2nd XI face Olton 3rd XI this Saturday.
The men’s 4th XI development side, meanwhile, were short of players for their match against Old Silhillians. With only six Stourport players available, three players from the hosts joined their side to allow the game to go ahead.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the young Stourport players showed composure, with Rory scoring after a well-worked move. Alex and Ben linked up well down the right, while Otto kept the experienced Old Silhillians defence busy.
Old Silhillians won the match 8-4, but the result was recorded as 0-0 because of Stourport’s player shortage.
Stourport’s ladies’ 3rd XI development side claimed a 3-0 away win against Worcester 4th XI to remain seventh in the Midland Division 5 South West.
Worcester started strongly, but Stourport’s blend of youth and experience helped them withstand the early pressure before gradually taking control.
The visitors broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through Anna Weston. Karen McIntyre, returning to the club, added a second in the 55th minute before Becky completed the scoring in the 63rd minute.
Stourport continued to create chances, while their defence and midfield kept Worcester’s forwards largely at bay. The match was played in a friendly spirit, with the result securing three points for Stourport.