HOCKEY: National League Division One Stourport made a losing start to the season proper with a 4-2 home defeat to Chelmsford.

Pakistan international Imran Yousaf grabbed two goals for Stourport, putting them ahead with his first on 23 minutes.

Yousaf struck from a short-corner and they looked likely leaders as half-time approached with Jon Willicombe impressive in midfield and Phil Lashford's running causing problems.

But after a Chelmsford equaliser, the game turned in the first 10 minutes of the second half with Matt Ruxton and Willicombe sin binned.

Chelmsford were quick to take advantage and took the lead before forcing an own goal from Richard John before Stourport's defence could get organised.

When Andy Pocknell went off with a hand injury, the prospects for a home victory began to look bleak.

Replacement Mark Moss injected pace into midfield but Chelmsford scored the decisive fourth goal.

With five minutes left, Yousaf converted a short-corner to the keeper's right.

Stourport 2nds 1 Beeston 1

The seconds were content with their league opening against last season's runners-up without injured skipper Tom White.

Despite five Beeston short-corners, Stourport survived with Paul Taylor and keeper Ian Evans impressing.

The home side created chances for Dan Packwood and Nick Gray before Steve Ellis had an effort disallowed.

But, in a brief appearance, White crossed for Nick Chambers to crash home with his second touch only for Beeston to equalise with five minutes left.

Beeston 2 Stourport 3rds 5

Stourport dominated and David Knott soon opened the scoring with the first of his four goals.

But Beeston kept fighting back to leave the interval score at 2-2 despite good defending from Bruce Baron, Lee Baron and Mike Taylor.

Knott later completed his hat-trick and his fourth came with 10 minutes left, thanks to Mike Shaw's cross.

Ian Roberts completed the scoring from the penalty spot after Shaw was fouled.

Stourport 4ths 4

Loughborough Students 2

Andy Watson put Stourport ahead with a powerful shot after Alastair McIntyre had seen his attempt saved.

A second Watson strike soon followed but the visitors struck back to equalise.

But in-form Dave Bedford secured the lead again before Godfrey Lamb nailed a short-corner for the fourth goal.

Ex-Stourport player, Ben Moulam, encountered his father, Andy, at the heart of the defence.

Telford 4ths 2 Stourport 5ths 2

Stourport had to rely on their older players to get a deserved draw with two first-half goals from Robin Conway who also hit the post twice.

Telford scored a goal either side of the break, while Gareth Pritchard played well at inside-left for the visitors.

Stourport Veterans 6 Edgbaston 7

Edgbaston took advantage of sloppy defending to take a 3-0 lead within 10 minutes.

Knott fired a goal back and then set up Bedford for a volley before Ellis levelled the scores with a reverse-stick hit.

Edgbaston recovered the lead but Knott equalised from the penalty spot before half-time.

A short-corner and open play efforts put the visitors 7-4 up and although Conway and Ellis replied, Stourport could not force an equaliser.

Worcester Badgers 0

Stourport White Badgers 0

Stourport failed to convert their opportunities after controlling much of the game.

But there were encouraging debuts from Max Totney and Stephen Thorpe, while James Powell, Andrew Cavendish and William Terry also played well.

Stourport Blue Badgers 1

Solihull Blossomfield Badgers 0

An early goal from Ben Harris was enough to seal victory, while Andrew Kimberlin, Lewis Bevan, Kevin Clark, David Wardle and Sam Owen-Smith all showed potential.

More information on the juniors is available on 01299 877200 or 01562 752323.

Stourport Ladies 1sts 4 Tenbury 1

The ladies made it two wins in as many matches in Worcestershire League Division One.

Sarah Bentley scored the first from a short-corner after a slow start and grabbed another from a Kate Bailey cross.

Tenbury pulled a goal back just before the break but Stourport added a third in the 45th minute when Fran Long's run set up Alison Baron who finished expertly.

Stourport sealed the win through a penalty from skipper Long.

Stourport 2nds 2 Badsey 3

A ding-dong battle saw Stourport unable to build on the previous week's Worcestershire Division Two victory.

Sally Haines gave Stourport the lead on five minutes but Badsey pressured well to equalise and go ahead before half-time.

Stourport replied quickly when Walker's shot rebounded out for Teri Baron to flick the ball over the goalkeeper.

The home defence were then kept busy as Badsey finally took all three points.

Droitwich 1 Stourport 3rds 5

Stourport gained their first Worcestershire Division Three points on Saturday after Jess Trundle put them ahead from a short corner on 10 minutes.

Droitwich replied within five minutes but Stourport exerted their dominance to retake the lead through Rosie Connolly.

Connolly and Trundle with a reverse-stick flick added further goals before Sarah Cavendish completed the scoring.

Fixtures, Saturday: Badgers v Redditch, Walsall v Badgers; Ladies: 1sts v Worcester Norton (2pm), Droitwich v 2nds (10.30am), 3rds v Bromsgrove (12.30pm).

Fixture, Sunday, Men: Southgate v 1sts.