ALNWICK Hockey Club lost their first game of the season on Saturday against Northumberland rivals Morpeth.

It was Alnwick's first match in North East Division Two since the club was formed 34 years ago, following their promotion from the Northumberland A League last term.

But there was no room for sentiment as Morpeth put four past the league's new side.

Morpeth took the lead in the first-half after a sudden break. Alnwick looked to be holding their own though and some excellent saves from J Stevenson in goal and clear-outs from the strong defence kept the north Northumberland side in contention.

But just minutes into the second-half, their hard work was undone as Morpeth doubled their lead.

However, Alnwick didn't fade into oblivion and came back strongly. Only some fine stopping from Morpeth's keeper denied last year's A League winners from grabbing a foothold in the game.

Alnwick were left to rue their missed opportunities, though, as Morpeth struck a further two times to make the score 4-0 and take the points.

But, despite the defeat, the first chapter of Alnwick's Division Two story makes relatively promising reading. The team played well and many felt the scoreline was harsh on the newly-promoted side.

Alnwick continue their league campaign with a trip to Rosebury on Saturday.

Alnwick: J Stevenson, N Richardson, J Oates, S Horn, R Allen, L Lincoln, A Cook, K Morallee, R Howey, J Brewis, C Britton, A Lincoln, S Ryder. Player-of-the-match: Jo Oates