COLWALL and Malvern began the new West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Severn Division One season with a 3-2 win over a strong Hereford second XI.

Despite welcoming several new players, the hosts started with only 10 and struggled to settle.

Hereford pressured their defence and, despite fine Colleen Rogers saves, went ahead with a deflection.

They doubled their lead from a penalty corner but Colwall and Malvern hit back shortly before half-time through Sarah Lea.

With a full team in the second period, they kept the ball better and Sammie Shail levelled. Determined defending, including from debutant Alicia Lawson, kept out Hereford.

Despite losing Jackie Styles to a shoulder injury, Colwall and Malvern struck a late winner through Emma Hughes.

The seconds fielded only nine players at Bourton and Sherborne seconds in Division Three and lost 9-0.

New players are welcome at senior women’s coaching on Wednesdays at Malvern College from 7.30pm until 8.30pm.

More details are available by e-mailing cmhockey@hotmail.co.uk or at colwallandmalvernhc.webs.com