NEWLY-promoted Worcester Men's Firsts began their Midlands Premier League campaign with a fine 7-4 triumph at Mansfield.

They took an early lead through Chris Perry's penalty corner, but Mansfield replied with a goal of their own from a penalty corner. However, Worcester regained the lead through Alex Kotlarzewski's opportunist strike.

A lack of discipline in defence allowed Mansfield to claim the lead before half-time.

Within five minutes of coming on, Phil Howell scored to make it 3-3.

Mansfield hit straight back, but Worcester turned the game on its head in the final 20 minutes. Howell grabbed a second goal as did Kotlarzewski, while Pete Gibbins and Chris Adams were both also on target.

The seconds won 7-1 at Sutton Coldfield in a one-sided pre-season friendly.

Captain Pitham and youngster Marcus Blane contributed four goals, while veterans Malcolm Evans, Richardson and Brown each scored efforts from distance.

The thirds lost 5-2 at home to Stourport Thirds in a physical Midland Premier League encounter.

Worcester were off the pace in the first-half and were punished by two goals from the visitors. The home side stepped up a gear after the break, but Stourport scored a third.

Worcester were then rewarded with a penalty flick which was converted by Matt Walker, but Stourport scored another goal. Walker hit a second goal, but Stourport added their fifth on the break.

Worcester Fourths rounded off their pre-season campaign with a solid 4-1 win at Sutton Coldfield fourths.

Tinley (2), Myles Reece and Scott Seckham supplied the goals.

The fifths were handed a 3-0 defeat at Stourport fourths in a tough start to the new season.

Stourport were the stronger side, but Worcester created several chances with some well-constructed passes.

The sixths made an impressive start to their league campaign with a fine 5-3 home win against Warwick Fourths. Worcester went 3-0 up through Bunn, Drewitt and Richman before Warwick pulled a goal back.

Simons made it 4-1, but the visitors scored twice more. James Clarke calmed the hosts' nerves with the fifth goal.

The women's firsts were edged out 4-3 at Leicester Seconds in the Midland Region Women's Hockey League.

The hosts were 3-0 up by the interval, but the young Worcester side kept fighting. Hattie Lloyd made it 3-1 but Leicester scored again. Emmie Le Marchand and Lloyd then added further goals, but the home side hung on to win.

Libby Hayes grabbed a hat-trick and Lucy Senior a brace as the women's seconds beat Telford & Wrekin 5-2.

The women's thirds were handed a 4-0 home beating by Badsey.

The Badger Pippins beat the Badgers Potters 3-2 in the two sides' first game of the season. Luke Owen scored all of the Pippins' goals, while Matt Ramsey and Chris Holden replied for the Potters.