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Stockport off to a flyer

Neil Goulding
27/ 9/2006

FORMER champions Heaton Mersey ladies suffered a surprise defeat on the opening weekend of the Women's North of England Lacrosse Premier Division.

The Heatons Sports Club side were beaten 12-7 by arch-rivals Stockport in Saturday's derby opener, with Sarah Bullock doing the bulk of the damage with four goals.

Helen Zuppinger netted a hat-trick for Stockport, while Alex Bruce (2), Alex Nicholls, Anna Moulds and American ace Stephie Samaras were also the scoresheet.

Rachel Baldwin top-scored for Mersey with a brace, with Claire Black, Didi Ecclestone, Charlie Raymer, Jane Hynes and Sally Whitehead on target, but having trailed 6-2 at half-time, Mersey never recovered.

"Stockport deserved to win. We just weren't good enough," admitted Mersey spokeswoman Jenny Wright. "I think it's going to be a close division this season, but we know we'll have to perform better if we're going to win the title."

Defending champions Timperley won their opening match against Mellor, but not in the convincing manner in which they triumphed last term.

The Stockport Road club edged out the Longhurst Lane ladies 10-7, a much-closer game than last season's 26-1 victory.

This Saturday sees the start of the Men's North of England League, with games getting underway in the Premier Division and all the way down to Division 5.

Defending champions Mellor open their account against South Yorkshire side Sheffield Steelers, while last season's Senior Flags winners Heaton Mersey visit Stockport in a repeat of last season's showcase final in Rochdale.

Other matches see Cheadle host Wilmslow, while Boardman and Eccles entertain Timperley at Welbeck Road.