Winscombe ladies were held to a draw against local rivals Mendip.

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 1

Mendip Ladies 1st XI 1

WINSCOMBE’S solid defending saved the day in what was to be a match of attack and counter-attack against rivals Mendip.

Winscombe were hoping to beat their opposition in this return home fixture, having drawn 2-2 in the away fixture before Christmas.

However, in spite of great creative play from Sarah Holland and Gabby Richardson up front, Winscombe were unable to capitalise on their early possession.

Two short corner routines were cleverly read and anticipated by Mendip, who, after Winscombe failed to score the second time, broke away with the ball downfield catching the Winscombe defence too high up the pitch and resulting in a well-taken, counter-attacking goal.

Winscombe’s defence soon made amends for the lapse in concentration with goalie Kate Walker and defenders Claudia Routhorn-James, Juju Miles and Caroline Marsh putting in outstanding performances, bettered only by the brilliant speed and turn-of-pace of their teammate and fellow defender, Caitlin Flood, who thwarted several Mendip attacks virtually single-handed.

Winscombe drew the scores level when their patience paid off around the edge of the attacking D, when Keri Willis slipped the ball to captain Kelly Clark, whose shot rebounded off the Mendip keeper into the path of forward Leanne Gardner, who showed quick reactions to slot the ball into the goal.

Both teams then continued to play rather scrappy hockey with neither team gaining any clear advantage. Winscombe pressed for the winner with forwards Michele Isgar and Chloe Brown applying pressure, but were unable to score.

Winscombe 1sts are now looking to their next game and hope to secure a win when they play Taunton Vale at home (Hans Price Academy, Weston) 1pm start.

John Hodge Solicitors player of the match: Caitlin Flood.

Photo caption: Sarah Holland in action.

Weston Ladies 2nd XI 2

Minehead Ladies 2nd XI 0

WESTON ladies seconds enjoyed a comfortable win at home against Minehead.

In defence, Shelly Parkins, Kat Brown, Demi Reading, Chloe Cowell and Charli Dale were putting in strong tackles to stop Minehead from scoring. The passing and team work in midfield was brilliant between captain Kirsten Warden, Jade Brown, Emma Gibbins, Beth Gambling, Jas Ash, Kate Watkins and Izzie Jeffrey. Up front Sophie Lanham and Ellie Etchells had some brilliant chances.

After a while, Lanham scored after brilliant passing between Warden and Jeffrey. Weston got their second goal in the second half from a super strike from top goal scorer Kat Brown.

Joint Mercedes man of the match went to Charli Dale and Izzie Jeffrey.