WORCESTER men’s first XI faltered in their Warwick Printing Midlands Premier Hockey League opener at county rivals Stourport with a 4-2 defeat.

Nervous energy created costly mistakes in the opening 10 minutes as Stourport capitalised and opened up a two-goal advantage. 

By half-time, Worcester had scored and then equalised while Stourport’s keeper was sin-binned with both goals coming from Tom Schubert.

The second half was a close contest with Worcester’s Joe Schubert and man-of-the match Chris Kendall working tirelessly in a midfield battle and the defence holding strong.

However, a blunder halfway thought the second half gift-wrapped an opportunity to Stourport’s George Southall, who collected the rebound from a fine Tom Dalton save before putting the hosts back ahead. 

Worcester continued their attacking style of play but were unable to finish off several scoring opportunities.

In the final minute, Stourport were awarded a penalty flick, which was duly converted.

Worcester were left to consider the opening 10 minutes ahead of Saturday’s home game with West Bridgford at the University of Worcester (noon).