West Clubs Women’s Hockey League
Central Division
Taw Valley 0, Bridgwater ladies 1sts 1

BRIDGWATER Ladies 1sts secured a much-needed three points with a win over Taw Valley.

It was always going to be a close contest, but the visitors started strongly and put pressure on the Valley keeper with good play from youngsters Willow Hobbs and Beth Porter up front.

There was a real battle for possession in midfield with Cass Walker, Lucy Burridge and Julie Reed working strongly to both hold onto the ball and dispossess the opposition.

Bridgwater won their first penalty corner 25 minutes into the game, which was struck by Cass Walker and converted by Donna Cooper on the post.

The visitors had to soak up a lot of pressure in the second half as Valley had numerous quick breaks, but defenders Becca Tasker, Donna Cooper, Julie Morrish and Emma Hill were solid and kept them out.

Valley won several penalty corners but good goalkeeping by Amy Burridge denied them the equaliser.

In the last 10 minutes of the game Bridgwater found themselves in several one-on-ones, created by Becca Tasker and Kath Briggs, and it was only the Valley keeper that kept the hosts in it as Bridgwater closed out an important win.

Player of the match: Emma Hill

***

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League
Sedgemoor Division 2
Bridgwater ladies 2nds 3, Minehead 2nds 0

BRIDGWATER Ladies 2s recorded another fantastic win as they defeated Minehead 2s at home.

The hosts started strongly and put pressure on Minehead from the off, with Rose Baker and Annabelle Jay intercepting play through the middle of the pitch.

After some great hockey being played for most of the first half, Bridgwater were finally rewarded with a goal when Jay, Shobbrook and Baker forced the play into the D and Chilcott got the final touch to put Bridgwater 1-0 up.

The second Bridgwater goal soon followed when a well drilled corner saw the ball pushed out by Wilson to Baker at the top of the D, then back through to Wilson who slotted into the left hand corner of the goal.

The home side were determined to hold onto their lead after the break, with Katie Morris and Rachel Higgs working tirelessly alongside Dillon in defence to cut down Minehead’s opportunities.

With 15 minutes left on the clock Bridgwater seemed to tire and Minehead attacked hard looking for a goal back, but the hosts were able to make breaks in play on the counter to keep Minehead worried.

Bridgwater soon got their mojo back and played some excellent hockey to finish the match.

The final goal came a minute before full-time when a fantastic cross from Jay found Chilcott in the D to sweep the ball home for her second goal of the match and take Bridgwater to 3-0.

Player of the match: Annabelle Jay

***

GOCREA8 Conference South
North Somerset 6, Bridgwater men's 1sts 1

THE game started brightly with both teams making chances, but it was North Somerset who scored the opener.

A makeshift Bridgy side did not lie down and hit straight back with a superb slide pass from Gower to Tom Lott, who scored a fine deflected goal.

Bridgwater then lost Gower to injury, which was to change the whole dynamic of the game, and the hosts were able to score two more before half time.

The second half was a very tight affair, but North Somerset added gloss to the scoreline with late goals.

It was still a spirited performance from Bridgwater, who next week face their biggest game of the season against Plymouth Marjon B in a crunch match at the bottom.

Men of the match: Tom Lott and Tom Stacey