Winscombe ladies 2nd XI lost their opening match of the new season.

Winscombe Ladies 2nd XI 0

Minehead Ladies 1st XI 9

WINSCOMBE ladies seconds lost their opening match of the season against a strong Minehead side.

The game started strongly for both teams, but Winscombe quickly found themselves two goals down, despite good work from Izzy and Georgie Savage in midfield and Trudie Lynham on the wing.

The second half proved much more challenging for Winscombe against a much stronger and more experienced opposition, who quickly got into their stride in the second half, scoring twice shortly after the re-start.

A further two goals were scored and following two unfortunate injuries in short succession to Georgie Savage and Amy Knapman, it seemed Winscombe were down.

In spite of sustained pressure, the home side did not capitulate. Chantelle Miell led by example in midfield, while Jodie Honour and Jo Horwood held the backline steady. The persistent Minehead pressure soon resulted in five more goals being converted.

The team would like to thank Shirley Hartshorne for not only stepping into goal but also for pulling off some wonderful saves.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Chantelle Miell.

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 0

Old Bristolians 1

IN what is always a closely fought encounter between these two sides, a single goal was all it took to claim all three points for the visitors.

Injuries, illness and player availability resulted in the younger players getting game time and more experience of playing senior hockey.

Forwards Jenna Baker, Becky Matthews, Helen Sincair and Poppy Youde found themselves tightly marked, while Jo Sawtell made some great saves in the Winscombe goal. The defensive back line of Megan Quantick, Jo Hann and Katie Semple remained calm at all times.

Molly Roberts, Skipper Gill Harvey, Emma Whitehead and Gail Izzard worked hard and with determination in midfield throughout the match.

Winscombe were the better team with more possession in the second half, however the result was decided when Old Bristolians broke the deadlock to score.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match honours were won jointly by Katie Semple and Megan Quantick.

Photo caption: The John Hodge Solicitors’ joint players of the match: Katie Semple & Megan Quantick.