LEOMINSTER got their season off to a flying start thanks to a thrilling 5-4 win over Stroud in North Division of the West Clubs' Women's Hockey League.

Nina Emery opened the scoring for the county side before Stroud equalised.

Back came Leominster, who restored their advantage through Emery.

Stroud equalised again and took the lead before half time.

Emery completed her hat-trick after the break to make it 3-3 and Becky Fortnam put Leominster back in front.

An excellent cross from Karen Hackley teed up Sam Lewis to make it 5-3 before Stroud pulled a goal back.

Elsewhere, Hereford started off with a A 4-1 defeat to Firebrands Seconds in Premier Division 2A.

In Severn Division 1, Colwall & Malvern and Hereford Seconds both lost 5-0 to East Glos and Newent Seconds respectively, but Ross beat Cirencester Thirds 3-1 in Severn Division 3.