Stourport hockey sides enjoy first win but 3rd XI suffer defeat

Stourport men’s 2nd XI secured their first win of the season with a 4-1 victory over Olton & West Warwickshire 3rd XI in the Midlands Open Men’s Division 5 West.

Having picked up their first points the previous weekend, Stourport made a positive start against their visitors, creating several opportunities in the attacking circle but failing to trouble the Olton goalkeeper.

Against the run of play, Olton took the lead after 18 minutes when a foul by the Stourport defence led to a penalty corner. The resulting drag flick deflected off a defender’s foot and past goalkeeper Kasim and Kyle into the net.

Stourport continued to press and drew level before half-time through Adam. His penalty-corner effort struck the feet of Olton’s post defender, earning a penalty flick which Adam converted.

The home side took control after the break and moved ahead when Adam scored his second goal with a drag flick that deflected off a defender and into the net.

Olton pushed for an equaliser, but determined defending from Ollie, David, Dom and Guy kept them at bay.

Stourport came close to extending their lead when Dylan attempted to lob the goalkeeper, only for the ball to sail just over the crossbar.

They eventually made it 3-1 from another penalty corner. Although the initial effort was saved, Oliver calmly converted the rebound.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Stourport remained resolute and added a fourth goal when John and Adam combined in the circle to set up Ben, who finished at the back post to complete the 4-1 victory.

Stourport’s 2nd XI will next entertain Solihull Blossomfield 1st XI.

Men’s 3rd XI beaten by league leaders

Stourport men’s 3rd XI suffered a 6-0 home defeat against Worcester men’s 2nd XI in the Midlands Open Men’s Division 6 South West.

League leaders Worcester made an attacking start and took the lead within the opening five minutes.

Their accurate passing kept Stourport under pressure, although the home side defended stubbornly and held out for another 20 minutes before Worcester added a second.

Stourport struggled to make an impact at the other end, and Worcester scored a third in the 34th minute to establish a 3-0 half-time lead.

The home side returned after the break with greater composure and purpose, probing the visitors’ defence more effectively as they searched for a way back into the match.

However, Worcester remained dangerous going forward and scored three more goals in a five-minute spell starting in the 50th minute to complete the victory.

Stourport sit eighth in the table, level on points with seventh-placed Old Silhillians.

Stourport remain eighth in the table, level on points with seventh-placed Old Silhillians.