ANY concerns about a lucklustre pre-season campaign were swept away with Winchester Hockey Club first team's opening day 5-0 league win against awkward local opposition in Fareham II.

However this was a more-than-straightforward victory carved out of an excellent second half performance.

There were plenty of chances from the off with two early Fareham short corners, one brilliantly saved to his left by Ally Birch.

At the other end the Fareham keeper was busy, particularly after a great link-up move between Andy Winnett and Adrian Wilkinson.

Winchester’s dominance – marginal in the first half – was undisputed in the second after a very early goal.

Will Storrar, exactly one year on from an horrific eye injury, was imperious at the back of the midfield, calming Winchester’s natural tendencies to race forward.

Winchester will have greater challenges as they try to recover their South League status, but it was an excellent start.

Full story in this week's Hampshire Chronicle.