HOCKEY: A disastrous start to their first National League Division One match saw Stourport begin the campaign with a 4-2 defeat on Sunday.

The town were 3-0 down inside 10 minutes at Bristol-based Firebrands following a rapid Simon Lanyon hat-trick.

Lanyon grabbed two quick goals from penalty corners, added a field goal and then seized a fourth in the 22nd minute.

To their credit, Stourport fought back from the devastating blow with Phil Lashford and Luke Edwards grabbing consolation goals.

The firsts have their opening home game on Sunday against division newcomers Bowdon (12.30pm).

It was a mixed bag of results for sides generally as the impact of missing players was felt right across the club.

Beeston 12 Stourport 2nds 0

The seconds were most affected by the loss of last season's top scorer Tom White and the fact first-team squad players are no longer released by new coach Imran Yousaf.

There was not much visible difference between the two sides in the first half but the lack of experienced ball carriers meant Beeston were able to sustain pressure over long periods.

The Nottinghamshire side's strength and experience told as they constantly found openings in the Stourport defence and were able to support in numbers.

Stourport 4ths 2 Nottingham University 0

Nick Chambers' return was a boost though Stourport were forced to defend for long periods.

Superb work by Lee Baron and Dave Shepherd ensured the defence was not breached with Adam Henderson and keeper Dan Baldwin on hand to clear up the scraps.

But Stourport, without several core players such as past top scorer Andy Watson, were always trying to create their own chances.

Chambers led the line in isolation but midway through the second half he was found by a Steve Ellis pass.

The forward beat two defenders and pulled an angled cross into the middle of the circle which Ellis smashed into the roof of the net.

Alastair Rosie and Kit Parnell came into the game for Stourport and Chambers quickly broke again with his shot deflected to Ellis who drove home the second goal.

Alex Vale helped Baron and Shepherd close out the game for a well-deserved three points.

Loughborough Students 6 Stourport 5ths 2

Stourport earned a creditable result at the fourth team of their Leicestershire opponents.

Stourport 6ths 12 Warwick 1

The sixths enjoyed the score-line of the day with former club chairman Alastair McIntyre striking an amazing eight goals.

Stourport 7ths 3 Warwick 0

Warwick's woe was complete with another comprehensive defeat at Stourport.