THIS weekend sees four Worcester Norton women's first team squad players begin their bid to win international hockey caps in next year's European Youth Championships when they have to attend the first England international assessment camp of the build-up programme.

In the under 18 group are striker Kate Draper, who has already represented England at under 16 and under 18 level. With her goes Midlands under 17 midfielder Charlene Mason. In the under 16 group are keeper Fiona Nash and defender Jackie Russell, both Midlands under 15 players.

CHELTENHAM 3

WORCESTER NORTON 3

(Worcester win 3-1 on penalties)

Worcester Under 15s went close to relinquishing their national title to a spirited and determined Cheltenham side in a gripping EHA Cup round three tie, which was concluded by a nail-biting penalty shoot-out.

Worcester began in excellent fashion, opening the scoring inside two minutes when Claire Stewardson penetrated on the right of the circle and set up Liz George to deflect past the keeper.

With the pressure they were creating Worcester should have gone further in front but they failed to take their chances.

On their very first attack in the 11th minute Cheltenham scored on the break as the Worcester defence opened up through the middle. Worcester continued to have the greater possession but could not regain the lead.

Immediately after the restart Cheltenham went ahead through another sloppy piece of Worcester defending that saw a player left unmarked in front of goal.

Worcester then started to play with much more passion and commitment and George equalised from close range from a corner in the 47th minute.

Four minutes later Jenni Wilks put Worcester back in front when she jabbed the ball over the line in a goalmouth scramble. Cheltenham, not to be outdone, drew level at 3-3 in the 51st minute with a neat penalty corner routine.

Full time came with Worcester putting the Cheltenham defence under severe pressure but with no reward and so came the penalty competition.

First up for Worcester was George and the ball sped low to the keeper's right. Cheltenham equalised.

Lucy Tyrrell then shot straight at the keeper but the next Cheltenham player put her chance wide.

The third Worcester taker was Kayleigh Hateley and she placed her shot into the corner to put her team 2-1 ahead.

Next, Stephanie Williams in the Worcester goal made a crucial save with her outstretched left foot to deny Cheltenham the equaliser.

Worcester held their breath as Stewardson missed the goal and then Cheltenham did likewise.

It all depended on Lora Symonds to win the tie and she made no mistake and Worcester were through into the last 32.