WORCESTERSHIRE opened their new English Counties Netball League Division Three season with a thrilling 37-34 victory over Hampshire North at Aldershot.

Hampshire North were first out of the blocks, scoring two quick goals but the lead was soon overturned with three Worcestershire goals.

After the opening flurry, both sides traded goal for goal and Worcestershire finished the quarter two goals up at 11-9.

The second quarter saw Hampshire outscore the County but Worcestershire still led 18-17 at half-time.

Worcestershire brought on three substitutes at the start of the third quarter with Sarah Williams replacing Alison Wagstaff, Becky Giles for Clare Johnson and Nina Russell for Helen Webb.

Worcestershire increased the tempo and soon found themselves six goals up but Hampshire hit back to eat into the lead.

The visitors started to miss their shots and Hampshire scored seven goals in succession to take the lead. Rachel Hill, however, scored with the last shot of the quarter to make it all square at 27-27.

Hampshire set about the fourth quarter in the same way as they finished the third, scoring five goals without reply.

A Worcestershire side of old may well have faded but, with last year's relegation still smarting, this squad was not going to let that happen.

Worcestershire outscored Hampshire North by ten goals to two in the final minutes to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Other results: Hampshire North II 27 Worcs II 20; Hampshire North U18s 51 Worcs U18s 38; Hampshire North U16s 27 Worcs U16s 45.