A HAT-TRICK by Teri Baron helped Stourport Ladies Hockey Club 3rd to a 4-0 victory over Studley in their opening friendly fixture at Redditch on Saturday.

Stourport took the initiative early on, forcing a series of short corners, and the pressure paid off when Baron scrambled the ball across the line for the first of her three goals in the 23rd minute.

Studley continued to push forward, but a well-drilled Stourport defence prevented any shots on target and it was the visitors who made the most of their chances, Baron claiming her second by turning in a Kerry Venskus shot in the 30th minute.

Studley came out battling in the second half, but there was a 10-minute delay when Jessica Trundle clashed with a home defender, and the Studley player had to leave the field.

The third Stourport goal came in the 50th minute from a Trundle strike following a short-corner.

It was her last action of the match as she had to leave the field with an ankle injury, sustained in the previous clash.

Despite a fight back by Studley, it was Stourport who found the net again when Baron finished off the match with a 58th minute strike.

Stourport Ladies first team travel to Blossomfield on Saturday, fielding their two new players - Sarah Upton and Isobel Moore, who are making just their second appearance for the club.

The expected squad will be: Viv Wakeman (captain), Catrina Owen, Laura Price, Tina Evans, Sarah Upton, Alexis Tysler, Rebecca Leaning, Isobel Moore, Louise Bagnall, Malisa Kennedy, Jodie Vincent, Jackie Russell.

Saturday fixtures: Men: 2nd v Kidderminster, 3rd v Kidderminster, 4th v Kidderminster, 5th v Kidderminster, 6th v Tenbury.

Ladies: 1st away v Blossomfield, 2nd home v Bournville (2.30pm), 3rd home v Droitwich (noon).