GoCrea8 Men’s Hockey League Central 1
Westbury & UB 2nds 2, Bridgwater 2

BRIDGWATER men’s 1sts travelled to Bristol to play Westbury, hoping to continue their fine form. 

The hosts started better, but a quick break from the away side led to Todd Barrett being fouled in the D, and Tom Lott dispatched the penalty flick to give them the lead.

Bridgwater had control, but could only score once more through the outstanding Josh Gale. 

Despite all the pressure, the visitors were unable to find the net again and a last-minute breakaway for Westbury led to their first goal. 

Some good defending by Bridgwater kept the score at 2-1 for most of a scrappy second half, but the only goal of the half came from a Westbury penalty corner. 

The game stayed at 2-2, which was disappointing for Bridgwater after dominating for long spells.

The 1st XI have two matches next weekend – at home to Clifton Robinsons B on Saturday (2.15pm start), and away to Bristol University B on Sunday (12.15pm).

West Central 1
Bridgwater A 3, Old Bristolians B 1

THIS game started off slowly, before an uncharacteristic error from keeper Brandon Durkin let Old Bristolians take the lead, as a misjudged clearance fell straight to the striker’s feet. 

But the hosts went onto the front foot, and a good move down the right found Rich Payne, who took an early shot and beat the off-balance keeper to level the score.

Bridgwater looked to maintain the pressure, and eventually they found the breakthrough when Chris Dart expertly found the top-left corner from a penalty flick.

All Bridgwater had to do was hold on for the last 20 minutes, but this proved to be hard work as Old Bristolians found a second wind. 

After a period of good defending, Bridgwater broke away and Alfie Threlfall made it 3-1.

Man of the match: Tom Stacey

The men’s 2nds travel to Westbury & UB C this Saturday (4pm).

West Central 1
Bridgwater B 0, Clifton Robinsons C 8

THE men’s 3rds were not so fortunate, losing 8-0 to second-placed Clifton Robinsons. 

After a strong first half performance, only going in 2-0 down, their opposition simply got the better of them on key occasions. 

It was late in the second half that the siege eventually broke down the defences of the home team, causing them to leak four late goals, despite heroics from Dom Rauch in goal.

This Saturday they host Firebrands C (4pm).

South East 2
Sidmouth & Ottery C 3, Bridgwater C 4

THE 4th XI had an entertaining match at Sidmouth & Ottery, taking all three points after a 4-3 victory. 

Two goals from Tyler Fagan and one each for Mike Eele and Tom Willis ensured that Bridgwater stay within touching distance of the top spots in the league. 

Man of the match: Tyler Coleman

On Saturday they are at home to Chard B (12.15pm).

South East 3
Bridgwater D 4, East Devon D 3

THIS entertaining game started at pace, and the first goal went to East Devon, who broke and slipped an early goal past keeper Christian Durkin.

Just minutes later a cross found Noel Smith, who buried his first goal for Bridgwater. 

Again a swift break from the visitors saw them go 2-1 up, but Nikita Cernikovs combined with Ted Kelly to win a short corner, converted by James Kettlewell.

The second half was end-to-end and both goalkeepers made fine saves, but then Kettlewell found Kelly in the D and he made it 3-2. 

East Devon hit back to equalise with yet another goal on the counter-attack, and then it came down to a tense final few minutes.

The visitors won a short corner, which was well blocked by Jim Smith, and Marcus Blyth cleared to Simon Burland, who netted with the final action of the game.

Man of the match: Jim Smith; sponsor: Roy Pumfrey

The 5th XI are away to Isca E on Saturday (start tbc).

West Clubs Women’s League Central Division
Firebrands 3rds 0, Bridgwater 0

ON Saturday, Bridgwater ladies’ 1sts travelled to Bristol to face Firebrands, who are one place below them in the table. 

Having changed their formation, the visitors were eager to get on to the scoreboard with numerous attacking plays, but were unable to convert these opportunities. 

The defence stood strong and prevented the Firebrands attack from reaching the goal, even with the opposition playing an extra player, undetected for several minutes!

In the final 10 minutes, a penalty flick was conceded by Bridgwater, giving the hosts a one-on-one opportunity to score. 

However, goalkeeper and player of the match Amy Burridge confidently blocked the attempt, leaving the score goalless at the final whistle.

External factors made the game tough and frustrating for both sides, but Bridgwater did come away with confidence in the new changes they had made for this encounter. 

On Saturday, the team face third-placed Mendip at home (10.30am start), where they will look to improve on their performance.

Bridgwater ladies’ 2nds were without a match last weekend in Sedgemoor Division 2, and this coming Saturday they are away to Winscombe 4ths (2pm).