HOCKEY: Stourport rounded off another successful season as one of the top two clubs in the West Midlands with only the second team failing to meet their pre-season objectives.

The firsts enjoyed a strong second half to the season and maintained their position in National League Division One though relegation had looked possible at one stage.

Superb wins against Barford Tigers, Brooklands and particularly over high-flying Firebrands ensured a comfortable finish and a top-half place would have been on the cards with a stronger start.

The accomplished Richard John and consistent Jon Willicombe both impressed, while fellow Welsh international Laith El Khatib found his scoring touch after Christmas to weigh in with vital open-play goals.

But Stourport's ability to attract Pakistani international brothers Imran and Irfan Yousaf made the difference as the former ended up among the National League's top scorers with his devastating short-corner drag flicks.

The future looks bright with the firsts also blooding home-grown players in the highly promising Dan Packwood, Mark Moss and Andy Pocknall, while positive results were due in no little measure to the return of coach Stuart Speake.

There was a disappointing season for the seconds who finished sixth in the DTZ Midlands Premier Division despite targeting a top-three finish.

They rarely were able to select the same 11 players and missed key figures, some who moved through the ranks to the firsts, but displays were good in the crunch games.

The highlight was a double over Bournville but next season they must find an alternative to veteran Tom White's goals though they will benefit from the experience of Mark Harradine who returned from overseas.

David Knott, who has so far scored 96 goals in all competitions, and Ian Roberts led the consistent thirds who were disappointed to finish third behind Cannock and Loughborough Students in the Midlands Premier.

Young Luke Carless was one of the stars, gaining Wales U-16s recognition, while Luke Martin also improved throughout the campaign.

Captain Mike Taylor guided the fourths to a strong season, while nurturing several young prospects under the experienced eye of former Great Britain player Steve Taylor and top scorer Andy Watson.

They beat Loughborough Students but were unable to take the title, paying for their inability to beat a 10-man Cannock at home despite dominating. In the end, they suffered from unavailabilities.

But next season Stourport's fourths will face their fifths who were promoted into the Premier with a game to spare.

The return of Neil Stone from long-term injury bolstered the defence and there was the long-heralded arrival of goalkeeper Keith Wills from Old Halesonians.

Robin Conway's goals did the damage, ably assisted by young stars in the making like Mark Edwards, Alastair Rosie, Gareth Whale and James Terry.

The sixths benefited from a raft of young players through the Badgers set-up and only missed promotion on the back of one result.

Dedicated seniors in Kevin Hughes, Steve Hopkins and Frank Colwill have helped build a skillful, energetic and spirited team who have beaten fourth and fifth teams with older players.

Ben Everett-Li was exceptional all season and his goals were invaluable.

The superb Stourport Veterans were only defeated three times in midweek friendlies with huge goal hauls from Knott and Dave Bedford.

The Over-40s face Hayes in the National Knockout Cup final on Sunday, May 18, at Brooklands after goals from Watson (three) and Knott gave them a 4-2 semis victory over Bournville.

Bedford was made veteran of the year at a dinner, while club president Roy Woster was given a special award for his services.

Woster, 68, is still an active player, having turned out in every round of the veteran cup, and is an umpire, supporter, committee member and event organiser.

Other dedicated umpires have included Steve Morris, Andy Martin, Pete Madden, Bob Taylor and Phil Lashford.

The annual dinner and awards evening is at Wharton Park Golf Club, Bewdley, on Friday, May 16, before the club's annual meeting is held on Monday, May 19.