A dramatic last-minute equaliser by Chloe Brown, earned Winscombe a point against Taunton Vale.

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 3

Taunton Vale 3rd XI 3

CHLOE Brown’s dramatic last-minute, penalty-corner goal earned Winscombe a well-deserved point in this tense Central League encounter.

Winscombe made a promising start with forwards, Gabriella Richardson, Jade Barry and Sarah Holland working well from the whistle and they opened the scoring when an excellent shot from Leanne Gardner was saved, but captain Kelly Clark skilfully flicked the rebound over the keeper.

Taunton Vale equalised after Winscombe lost possession. Soon after Barry displayed great skill in beating the Taunton Vale defence and was unlucky not to score.

Winscombe went ahead again with another goal from Clark, this time driving in from the 25 with a good early shot just inside the D.

Winscombe’s defence of Claudia Routhorn-James, Caroline Marsh, Julie O’Sullivan and Caitlin Flood worked hard. However, Taunton Vale equalised again just before the half-time whistle.

The second half was closely fought, but Winscombe showed good determination and keeper Kate Walker made some excellent saves. Winscombe were unlucky when Taunton Vale took the lead with another goal.

Winscombe’s midfielders Michelle Isgar, Clark and Chloe Brown put in great performances and Megan Coe made a great break and was unlucky not to net.

Continued attacks resulted in another short corner in the dying minutes of the match, Winscombe levelled the scores from a well-worked routine skilfully converted by John Hodge Solicitors player of the match Brown high into the Vale net.

Winscombe Ladies 2nd XI 2

ECVH Ladies 2nd XI 2

THIS was a disappointing draw, but a crucial point secured for Winscombe’s newly-promoted seconds in a closely-contested affair.

Initially finding themselves a goal down early on, Winscombe fought back well. A determined run from Chantelle Mielle and a powerful cross from Trudie Lynham was met on the half-volley and netted by centre-forward Becky Matthews. Shortly before half-time, however, ECVH re-took the lead.

The second half was end-to-end with both teams having chances. After a good passage of play from Winscombe, Trudie Lynham equalised with a cheeky reverse stick flick.

Winscombe had several more opportunities towards the end of the match to secure a win, but had to settle for a hard-earned draw and a precious league point.

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 4

Knowle Ladies 2nd XI 0

THE third team continued their winning form with another win, making it 10 goals in two matches and an impressive back-to-back clean sheet.

The first-half consisted of some excellent play, with both teams fighting for possession. Winscombe’s defence stood strong with goalkeeper Shirley Hartshorne making some good saves.

Hannah Hussey and Roxy Newman desperately tried to score, but the Knowle keeper stood her ground until Gail Izzard finally managed to score in the 25th minute.

In the second half, solid defending from Jo Hann, Sarah Kempster, Rachel Wallace and Amy Cheeseborough, not only made sure that Knowle did not get a shot at goal throughout the half, but also allowed Winscombe to keep the pressure on Knowle.

Some fine passes between Emma Whitehead, Helen Sinclair, Alice Sloman and Ella Byrne, set up Newman to score the second goal.

Winscombe made good use of the pitch, with Newman and Izzard scoring the third and fourth goals.

Winscombe would like to say ‘get well soon’ to Vicki Pagett who missed the match through illness and is currently in hospital.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Hannah Hussey.

Anyone interested in learning to play hockey or returning to hockey, should contact the club and come along to a free training taster session.

Winscombe Ladies Hockey Club train and play at the Hans Price Academy in Weston and has three teams playing league hockey, a development squad/4th team and thriving junior section (under-13s). For further information please email Gail at izzards@btinternet.com

Weston Ladies 1st XI 2

Taw Valley Ladies 3

AFTER recent bad weather postponed two of Weston ladies first team’s games, the girls were eager to face league leaders Taw Valley.

A weakened squad did not dampen Weston’s spirits however, and after an end-to-end first 10 minutes a rapid ball into the Taw Valley D was coolly slotted home by Taylor Kingscott.

Taw Valley upped their game and piled the pressure onto the Weston defence who, led by Mercedes man of the match Laura Draycott, kept their fast paced forwards at bay.

Dominating goalkeeping from Sarah Langley-Wheeler helped their endeavour until an error led to Taw Valley finishing from close range to be all square at the break.

In the second half, Taw Valley continued their onslaught. Shot after shot was blocked by the Weston defence of Draycott, Vanessa Mawford, Claire Westgate and Charlotte Gordon.

A rare attacking opportunity for Weston arose and Westgate was given space to run the ball the length of the pitch to from an acute angle.

Taw Valley had an answer and some quick play from their forwards saw an equaliser smashed home, again from close range.

Again, superb defending frustrated Taw Valley, but a penalty corner given inside the final five minutes saw Taw flick home the winner with aplomb.

Weston Ladies 2nd XI 5

White Eagles 2 0

THE seconds played White Eagles at home and came away with a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Super play in midfield from captain Kirsten Warden, Ellie Etchells, Izzie Jeffrey, Sophie Lanham and Chloe Cowell helped strikers Jade Brown and Kat Brown create chances.

Brown got the first goal after 10 minutes then a hat-trick from Brown made it 4-0 by half-time.

After the break, Eagles fought back, but brilliant defending from Charli Dale, Sarah Jolly, Demi Reading, Shelly Parkins and Beth Gambling kept the visitors at bay.

Goalkeeper Beth Cole made some excellent saves when needed. A goal from Etchells ended the game. Mercedes man of the match went to Jade Brown.