Winscombe 1sts 1 Minehead 4 - WINSCOMBE were surprised by their opponents attacking skills as in the first half they struck two goals.

Winscombe 1sts 1

Minehead 4

WINSCOMBE were surprised by their opponents' attacking skills as in the first half they struck two goals.

Kate Walker helped to keep Winscombe in with a chance of winning by saving many fantastic scoring opportunities throughout.

Winscombe struggled to keep their heads high when the second goal went in and Minehead were out to attack, but somehow Winscombe got back in the game thanks to an incredible deflection by Keri Willis on the back post from a pass by Fran Taylor. It was a well worked goal between the two players and helped dramatically to boost Winscombe's strength and determination.

This woke Winscombe and thanks to Michelle Isgar's continual running and concentration levels, Winscombe began to pursue in their fight for victory with two great attacking moves almost resulting in a goal.

In the second half, Chloe Brown and Kate Burdge channelled well up the right, beating their defenders and putting in crosses which nearly led to a consolation goal.

As Holly Freemantle was attacking up the right, her shoe got caught and fell off but she showed great enthusiasm to pursue her run and get a terrific cross. For this, she won Muppet of the match and for her continual effort she earned player of the Match, making her a double winner.

On the left side Amy Izzard made great runs passing Minehead's defenders on many occasions but was unfortunate not to finish her move with a goal. When Liz McConnell managed to create lots of space for players to attack and was unlucky not to score when her shot just went past a post in the second half.

Also Kelly Clarke, Vicky Bird and Charlie Edwards ensured the centre of the pitch was well guarded, Helen Hegarty played extremely well.

Minehead sealed their victory with their fourth goal in the closing moments. This was Fran Taylor's last league match of the season as she is going on a world tour and will be greatly missed by the Winscombe squad.

New hockey players are most welcome to come along to training, goalkeepers or aspiring goalkeepers are particularly welcome. The first two training sessions are tasters and are free of charge. For further details please contact Kate Walker on secretary@winscombehockey.com

Qualified umpires in need of additional matches or budding umpires wanting to try their hand at umpiring are also invited to contact the club.

MOST of Winscombe Hockey Club's veterans' team from years gone by reunited to play in this year's Avon veterans competition (Over-40s), held at UWE, where they took on several of the top Southwest teams.

Inspite of five Winscombe players not even having picked up a hockey stick in several years, they found their skills and understanding had not deserted them, as they got into the swing of the competition with a hard fought draw against Fry's, Trudie Lynham the scorer.

In the second match Winscombe had a shock in store for one of the strongest contenders to win the competition, BAC, when captain Liz McConnell put Winscombe ahead early on. There were excellent runs and passing from Cherida Stobart, Juju O'Sullivan and Nicky Mills at right midfield, but die-hard defending prevented further Winscombe goals.

Next up were Yate, who took an early lead, but staunch defending from Liz McKay, Sarah Clarke, Sarah Byrne and Debbie Ford not only kept the scoreline at 1-0 but formed the basis for some excellent passing play by Winscombe, which was supported by Gail Izzard.

The final match was against the competition winners for the past 14 seasons, Wearys, an amalgamation of Weston, Redland and Thornbury.

From the whistle, Wearys applied consistent and sustained pressure, but keeper Paula Gibbs gave a brilliant display, but Wearys ran out worthy winners at 3-0.

Winscombe would like to extend a special thank you to their young umpire, Amy Izzard (17), who equipped herself well throughout the day.