Winscombe ladies defeated ECVH away to remain top of the league table.

Winscombe Ladies 1st XI 2

ECVH Ladies 1st XI 1

WINSCOMBE ladies 1st XI remain top of the league table after a hard-fought match away to ECVH.

The team had a poor start and found themselves 1-0 down to the side lying at the bottom of the table after just 10 minutes. This goal sparked a comeback by Winscombe with Gabby Richardson putting a fantastic ball into the D which Hannah Taylor slotted past the goal keeper.

Following a passage of play down the right with Chloe Brown and Elly Yard linking up and causing the opposition some issues, Winscombe were rewarded with a penalty corner. The penalty was well executed by Jade Barry, Michelle Isgar and was finally put in the net by Kelly Clark.

The second half consisted of dangerous attacks, with both sides looking threatening. The defence was under pressure for a large amount of the time and Kate Walker was required to make a string of impressive saves, resulting in her being voted as Winscombe’s John Hodge Solicitors player of the match.

Player of the match Kate Walker.

Knowle Ladies 2nd XI 0

Winscombe Ladies 3rd XI 2

THE thirds started strongly with some decisive play and quick passing, putting early pressure on the Knowle D and goal.

However, Amy Knapman passed the ball to Shirley Hartshorne, who confidently found the back of the net.

Knowle came back strongly and midfielder Molly Roberts worked back to defend, while keeper Fran Eaton was called upon twice to make several quick saves in succession to keep Winscombe in the match.

Defenders Sarah Kempster, Jo Hann and Jo Sawtell also stood firm in Winscombe’s defence.

The second half saw Winscombe begin to link together some good passing through midfield with Eleanor Thatcher and Lucy Tothill contributing well.

This space was exploited by Knapman who beat several players and put in crosses for goal-scoring opportunities and from which penalty corners were won.

It was at a penalty corner when the strike from the top of the D was deflected into the path of Knapman who scored Winscombe’s second goal.

The John Hodge Solicitors’ player of the match was Amy Knapman

WINSCOMBE now has four teams playing league hockey and would like to hear from any qualified umpires who may be available to umpire some occasional matches for the club on a Saturday.

Please get in touch and find out more at www.pitchero.com/clubs/winscombeladieshockeyclub

Weston Ladies 1st XI

Minehead Ladies

WESTON started in determined fashion against a team who have won all of their previous fixture.

There was an equally contested start to the first-half, with both teams creating attacking chances, but both defences found up to the challenge.

Some driving runs from Charlie Dale and Katie Elliott from midfield gave Weston the upper hand. It was unfortunate that a crashing shot into the backboards was deemed outside the D and disallowed.

The Weston defence were under immense pressure and only calm and determined play and good calling and setting of the defence by Charlie Crandon prevented a Minehead breakthrough and it remained 0-0 at half-time.

Weston began the second half brightly and forced the play to be more open, using both flanks to attack in wider fashion. This in turn stretched the Minehead defence and allowed better attacking opportunity.

Following a Weston attack, a long corner was awarded, which allowed Cat to be found unmarked. She forced the ball at pace diagonally through the Minehead D and Ollie Elliot was on hand to slot the ball home past the keeper.

There was still considerable time remaining and Weston had to keep their nerve, stay steady and fight hard to the end of the game to take the points.

Mercedes Benz of Weston player of the match was Rosie Bellinger.