Old Halesonians Hockey Club began with defeat in their first match after relegation to DTZ West Midlands Division One, going down to a 3-2 defeat at Droitwich in an indifferent performance.

A defensive error saw Droitwich go ahead in the first half, when they were gifted the ball from an Old Hales 16 yard hit, but Hales fought back to equalise with a deflection into the top corner from Doug Houghton.

However, a second Droitwich goal saw Hales go into the break a goal adrift, with plenty of work to do.

Chris Hill kept the visitors' hopes alive soon after the restart, playing a neat one-two with Chris Whylie before putting the ball away on the reverse stick, but with 15 minutes to go Droitwich struck back with a clincher that Hales were unable to match.

Points Captain Paul Woodall must now look to take his team's first points of the season in next week's game against a Bromsgrove side that they have already defeated in a pre-season friendly.

The second XI went down 4-3 to the same opposition with Droitwich repeatedly coming back from behind to equalise goals from Alan Loveridge (2) and Mark Ramdehal. The fourth, and winning, goal came close on the final whistle.

Captain Mark O'Connell and new signing Harry Hughes were twice on target in a 5-1 triumph for the thirds at Old Wulfs. Richard Waters was also on the scoresheet with a penalty flick.

The ladies of Cresconians OH first XI were disappointed to go down 4-0 to a strong Evesham side.

The seconds got their season off to a good start with a 4-0 win against Worcester fourths thanks to Emily Smith, Angie Naylor, Debbie Huckfield and Charlotte Pell-Reynolds.