HOCKEY: Stourport's national veteran finalists opened their campaign with a well-deserved 4-2 win over good Blossomfield opposition.

They dominated the early exchanges and David Knott scored a two-minute brace, the first from a short corner and the second in open play.

The third followed quickly when Paul Taylor played in Dave Bedford who finished inside the far post.

Knott slotted home his third for a comfortable half-time lead, finding himself in plenty of space after hard work by Bruce Baron and Mike Taylor.

The hat-trick hero was withdrawn at the break to rest before heading to play for England veterans.

Stourport played their best hockey with Robin Conway creating chances but they did not score.

Blossomfield added two consolations through Neil Stone and David Read.

The win was never in doubt for Stourport who are determined to win the over-40s national cup after losing out to Canterbury on penalties this year.

Hopes are high ahead of the first-round clash at Olton and West Warwickshire.

Stourport's seven men's teams play Telford, Sutton Coldfield and Old Halesonians on Saturday.

The first team beat Robinsons, from the West of England League, 3-0 in a warm-up game.

Stourport ladies gave a spirited display but were defeated 4-2 in a friendly with Bretforton.

They fell behind on 15 minutes but Kate Bailey levelled the scores 30 seconds later, finishing off Fran Long's cross at the far post.

Bretforton re-took the lead before the half-time break and then held off severe pressure before scoring a third goal.

Karen McIntyre added a Stourport second with 15 minutes left but they conceded a fourth.

The seconds lost 1-0 at home to higher-ranked Bloxwich firsts with Jess Trundle, Laura Price and Claire Burrows all impressing.

But Burrows was forced off with a knee injury and Bloxwich scored the only goal late in the game.

Fixtures, Saturday: Stourport ladies 1sts v 3rds, Edgbaston v 2nds.