STOURPORT Hockey Club’s women’s first XI avoided relegation with a 3-1 victory against Cambridge University on the final day of the season.
A hat-trick from Lucy Walton ensured Stourport’s place in the Women’s National Conference League for another season.
Only a win would keep Stourport in the division while the club also needed Cannock to drop points against St Albans.
And Stourport’s win coupled with Cannock’s draw saw the former side avoid a first relegation for 15 years.
Stourport overcame a difficult start to take the lead as Walton opened the scoring with a clinical finish from Kate Robinson’s precise pass.
And Stourport doubled their lead when Walton found the net from Sophie Thompson’s delivery.
Cambridge pulled a goal back late on only for Walton to complete her hat-trick and seal Stourport’s place in the division next season.
Elsewhere, Stourport men’s second XI won 3-1 away at Stratford 2nds in their final match of the season.
Stratford dominated early on and took the lead only for Adam Leeke to level the game for Stourport with a confident finish.
And Barney Wright put Stourport ahead early in the second half before Leeks’s second goal took the game out of Stratford’s reach.
