Winscombe ladies were held to a draw by Mendip.

Mendip Ladies 2

Winscombe Ladies 2

WINSCOMBE got off to a good start, with many balls being fed up the right wing for Hannah Quantick to pick up, beating defenders with her pace.

Mendip defended well and were also quick on the break, resulting in end-to-end hockey. Keeper Kate Walker thwarted Mendip attacks with some brilliant saves and Winscombe’s defenders - Michelle Isgar, Julie O’Sullivan, Caitlin Flood and Caroline Marsh worked hard to break down Mendip’s play.

Winscombe opened the scoring after an initial short corner shot was saved and after quick reactions from Quantick, Leanne Gardner and Hannah Taylor, the Mendip keeper was finally beaten.

Kelly Clark and Gardner worked tirelessly in midfield along with Alice Sloman, who also demonstrated some lovely moves, passing the ball back and opening up play. Mendip equalised after Winscombe were outnumbered in defence.

Winscombe soon went in the lead again following a delightful combination of passes between Caroline Marsh and Hannah Hussey, culminating in an amazing shot from Marsh.

After five minutes of the second half, Mendip managed to pull the ball back from the line to a player on the penalty spot to convert drawing the scores level again.

Walker once again stepped up to the mark, saving a penalty flick awarded to Mendip. Winscombe kept the pressure up and were unlucky not to convert further chances.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ joint players of the match were Michelle Isgar and Sarah Holland.

North Somerset 1st XI 3

Winscombe Ladies 2nd XI 5

THE seconds started confidently and were quickly rewarded with a goal by newcomer Georgie Savage.

It was clear Winscombe had attack in mind and with solid midfield work from Chantelle Mielle, Niamh Hyden and Sarah Kempster, that is exactly what they did.

A second goal came after some clever one-two play between Savage and Amy Knapman, for Knapman to score. North Somerset fought hard and pulled one back just before half time to make it 2-1.

After the break, Vicki Pagett set up Trudie Lynham to score from a short corner. North Somerset scored again, also from a short corner. Good vision from both Hyden and Savage found Lynham. Her initial shot was followed up and converted by Pagett.

North Somerset scored from another short corner to make it 4-3.

Good defence by Heather Batchelor, Jodie Honour and Jo Horwood and Jo Sawtell in goal kept out the hosts. With about 10 minutes remaining, Hyden, Savage and Lynham combined to set up Knapman to score her second goal.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Niamh Hyden.

North Somerset 2nd XI 6

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 1

Winscombe thirds played the second of their two pre-season friendly matches when they took on North Somerset seconds in Portishead.

Taking the opportunity to try different positions and combinations throughout the club, meant more players making their senior club debuts.

Jo Sawtell in goal made some good saves, while Roisin Nigh kept control at centre back and Sarah Kempster and Ella Bryne were reliable in defence, helped out by Megan Quantick.

Katie Semple, skipper Gill Harvey, Jenna Baker and Emma Whitehead all worked hard supporting the forwards. Strikers Helen Sinclair, Shirley Hartshorne and Imogen Marsh had some chances, but were unable to convert.

A penalty corner awarded to Winscombe towards the end of the match brought a consolation goal by Emma Whitehead.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Jenna Baker.

Interested in playing hockey?

WINSCOMBE Ladies Hockey Club train in Weston and has three teams playing league hockey, a development squad/fourth team and thriving junior section (under-13s).

New players can enjoy two free training sessions as tasters and half-price club membership. For further information please visit www.winscombehockey.com or email Gail at izzards@btinternet.com to register your interest or for further information.