HOCKEY: Kidderminster's shaky start to the season took a plunge with a 3-2 defeat at fellow West Midlands League Premier Division strugglers Bloxwich.

With three players out due to injury and work commitments, Kidderminster started slowly despite being in high spirits against opponents who were seeking their first win.

The visitors eventually ground their way into the danger zone and won a flurry of short corners which posed little threat to Bloxwich who fended off plenty of pressure.

Kidderminster were struck when the home side broke away twice to score open-play goals and did not reply until late in the first half.

Will Good levelled the scores with a well-placed deflection off an Andy Pocknell free hit on the 25-yard line.

Bloxwich added a third open-play goal five minutes into the second period after a powerful run through the midfield which went virtually unchallenged.

Pocknell lashed home a late short corner to reduce the deficit and Richard Wheeler was close to an equaliser but fired wide late on.

Kidderminster 2nds 1 Old Halesonians 6

The seconds looked to capitalise on the previous week's win and started well with Clive Link opening the scoring.

But controversial umpiring swayed the game and Old Hales scored at regular intervals as the home side's Steve Mazurick was red carded.

Bloxwich 2 Kidderminster 3rds 3

A below-par display saw Kidderminster 2-0 down at the interval to a youthful side.

The thirds, looking to hit back with a win, responded to a stern team talk which ensured a change in fortunes.

Two goals from the impressive Joe Sorrell and a winner from Scott Edwards kept up their impressive league campaign so far.

Kidderminster 4ths 3 Stratford 3

A stunning comeback from Kidderminster denied fellow strugglers Stratford who were three goals up with 10 minutes left.

Reg Johnston's double and one from Geoff Frost claimed their first point of the season after the visitors scored all three goals in a 20-minute second-half spell.

Bournville 2 Kidderminster Ladies 0

Kidderminster were unable to capitalise on their chances after applying a great deal of pressure and keeping a clean sheet until early in the second period.

But then Bournville struck and the second goal arrived 15 minutes from the end.

Stratford 6 Kidderminster Veterans 2

The veterans came up against strong opposition who were generally quicker on the ball and found the net four times before half-time.

Kidderminster fought back gamely and their efforts were rewarded by two strikes from Mark Mansell who was having his first outing for the team.

Kidderminster were missing the Burkes brothers and hope to be at full strength for the return fixture next year.

Fixtures, Saturday: Kidderminster 1sts v Stratford, Yardley v 2nds, 3rds v Pershore, Edgbaston 6ths v 4ths, Ladies v Cresconians.