STOURPORT finished the first half of the season on a high with a 2-1 win at Brooklands which lifts them off the bottom of the National Hockey Premier One League.

The result, their third win in four games, gives them a much brighter outlook going into the winter break after a difficult start to the campaign.

Coach Caroline Fry will be even more pleased with the victory after the absence of three key players led to a reshuffle in defence and attack.

The game was scrappy, largely due to a poor quality, very hard playing surface that made controlled passing hockey and orthodox short corners nigh on impossible.

Stourport started strongly against their Manchester opponents and created early chances for Phil Baldwin, Dan Packwood and Phil Lashford without testing the home keeper, while short-corner chances were created for Imran Yousaf only for the surface to hinder him.

Stourport's first goal came as a poor touch in the Brookland's midfield was pounced upon by Imran Yousaf whose quick pass found Lashford in the "D". He turned and smashed a shot into the bottom corner before the home town defence could react.

Stourport spent the rest of the half playing possession hockey and put in their strongest defensive performance of the season as Mark Moss made tackle after tackle, while Mark Harradine, Gwyn Williams and Tuckett-Good smothered any threat posed by the Brooklands forwards.

The home team did enjoy a good spell before half-time but Williams and Harradine combined to make a goal saving tackle with keeper Stu Hendy beaten.

In the second half both sides struggled to create openings but Stourport looked comfortable with their lead and put the home side under pressure high up the pitch.

Stourport's second goal came from an error in the hosts' defence, Lashford intercepting a mis-timed pass and firing a reverse stick shot past the Brooklands keeper to take the score to 2-0.

A harsh penalty stroke award gave Brooklands a glimmer of hope with five minutes to go but it was Stourport's day.

The second half of the season presents new hope for the team who must build on their good form in the last four games to finish in the top six of the league to maintain their place in a re-organised league structure next season.

The thirds lost 4-0 at home to leaders Cannock and host Leek in a re-arranged match on Saturday.

There was a 7-1 defeat for the fourths away at Beeston with Gareth Whale scoring their consolation goal.

The sixths drew 1-1 against table-toppers Shrewsbury with a first goal for Gareth Humpreys and a man of hte match display from Neal Hopkins.

Stourport ladies are 12 points clear at the top after coming from behind to win 4-2 at Tenbury. Goals from Alissa Elford, Fran Long, Wilma Martin and Vicky Whitehouse gave them the win which extends their 100 per cent record.

Katre Bailey scored a perfect 10 as the seconds romped to a 15-1 win over Kings Heath. An Emily Plant brace and goals from Leanne Matthews, Julia Hopkins and Sarah Cavendish completed the rout.

Teri Baron and Georgina Burns were on target as the thirds drew 2-2 with Harborne. There was also a 2-2 draw for the fourths away at Worcester with goals from Sue Totney and Emma Bailey.