GoCrea8 Men’s League Central Division
Bridgwater 2, Clifton Robinsons B 5 

THIS weekend Bridgwater men’s 1sts played two league games, but both ended 5-2 to the opposition. 

The first saw Bridgwater welcome unbeaten leaders Clifton Robinsons and the first 10 minutes were even, but two goals from Robinsons put them in control.

A scathing half-time team talk from skipper Tom Lott seemed to work, as the hosts came out all fired up and scored from a short corner, through Lott himself. 

Bridgwater kept the pressure on for the opening 10 minutes, but a quick breakaway led to Robinsons getting their third. 

This seemed to hit the hosts hard, and two more goals for the visitors meant the game was out of reach.

A well-worked second goal just before the end by Josh Gale brought some consolation for the hosts.

Man of the match: Lee Chorley

Bristol University B 5, Bridgwater 2 

ON Sunday, Bridgwater travelled to Bristol with a much depleted team, so 16-year-old James Duckering made his debut, and Carwyn Jenkins and Phil Morrish (who both played together in the first team for the first time 29 years ago) both returned to the team. 

The hosts made the brighter start and got on the scoresheet early, but Bridgwater hit back with two goals of their own – the first from debutant Duckering, and the second from Jordan Rawles. 

The visitors looked in control but an unfortunate goal that bounced over keeper Saunders’ foot meant the teams went in level at the break.

The second half went Bristol’s way in all respects as they scored three more goals.

Man of the match: Tom Lott

This Saturday, they go to Firebrands B (2.45pm start).

West Central 1
Westbury & UB C 4, Bridgwater A 1

BRIDGWATER 2nd XI travelled to Bristol to face Westbury, who are having a resurgence in the second half of the season.

The breakthrough came for Westbury from a well-struck short corner, and this turned out to be the only goal in the first half.

Another well-worked short corner goal from Westbury put them two up, and then another two goals came from similar strikes from short corners. 

But after this Bridgwater managed to get a consolation goal from their own short corner, a pass back to injector Duncan Bond to put the ball past the Westbury keeper. 

The game ended 4-1, and Bridgwater really need a better performance this coming Saturday, at home to Shepton Mallet A (2.15pm).

West Central 1
Bridgwater B 1, Firebrands C 2

THE game started a late, and Bridgwater were quite delighted to see the opposition turn up with only nine players. 

But it was the visitors who scored first, although Bridgwater replied fairly quickly, with Kieran Wood flicking the ball past the keeper.

The second half saw the hosts threaten the opposition’s 25 quite regularly without actually penetrating the circle.

A bizarre own goal from a defender saw Bridgwater go down by the odd goal, as they could only muster one attempt in the last 15 minutes.

Man of the match (shared): Conrad Butt and Jack Dillon

Bridgwater face Firebrands again, this time their 5th team, on Saturday (4.15pm).

South East 2
Bridgwater C 2, Chard B 2

THE 4th XI took on local rivals Chard at Chilton Trinity.

The corresponding away fixture was one of the few losses for the Bridgwater team this season, and Alex McNeil stepped up as captain, in place of the injured Kev Hicks. 

The two teams were closely matched and the result reflected that, ending in a 2-2 draw. 

The point keeps Bridgwater in a creditable fourth position, and a few more wins could well nudge them into a promotion position.

This Saturday, they host Yeovil and Sherborne B (12.15pm).

South East 3
Isca E 1, Bridgwater D 1

THE game started with James Kettlewell playing the part of on-field captain, with Rowan James to his right, Will Baldwin on the left, with Jim Smith just in front. 

Isca made set about a fast start, but Smith and Kettlewell were awesome in the tackles with Baldwin and James backing up well.

But Bridgwater got into the game more, and a swift move saw Sam Thomas find Harvey Larcombe, who unselfishly set up Nikita Cernikovs who buried the chance, getting his first goal for the club. 

In what was a tight contest, the visitors hit the post just before half time, with Christian Durkin making a good clearance and save to keep Bridgwater ahead.

The hosts went in search of a second goal, but Isca used all of their nous and experience to keep them at bay, and 10 minutes into the half, a slip and misplaced pass allowed the visitors to equalise.

Man of the match: Nikita Cernikovs

Bridgwater are without a game on Saturday, but they host league leaders Sidmouth & Ottery D on February 17 (4pm).

England Hockey National Mixed Cup
Bridgwater 0, Newent 4

FINALLY, after weeks of rearrangements Bridgwater finally got to play their Mixed Cup match. 

Bridgwater started the first half better and looked to create the opening through good forward play from Lucy Burridge, Sapphy Reed-Yang and Jack Dillon. 

All three had chances to open the scoring, along with Cam Birch, but were denied by exceptional goalkeeping. 

Newent grew stronger as the first half progressed, and Bridgwater goalkeeper Amy Burridge made a number of good saves to keep the scores level. 

A couple of short corners caused concern just before half time, but Rob Morrish twice cleared off the line.

With the score 0-0 at half time Bridgwater were in good spirits, but the weekend’s exploits began to take their toll as Newent found another gear and began to impose themselves. 

Two quick-fire goals left Bridgwater facing an uphill struggle, but they continued to work hard, inspired by Joe Syvret’s high energy in the midfield. 

But as they pushed forward, space was created and tiredness set in, with Newent scoring two more late goals. 

Bridgwater can be pleased with their performance, especially having never played together before.

It’s not over for the mixed team, as they drop down to the Plate and travel to Firebrands on February 18.

West Clubs Women’s League Central Division
Bridgwater 1, Mendip 1

BRIDGWATER ladies 1sts shared the spoils with Mendip on Saturday.

Bridgwater are without a game until February 24, when they go to Clifton Robinsons 3rds (2.30pm).

Sedgemoor Division 2
Winscombe 4ths 2, Bridgwater 2nds 1 

BRIDGWATER ladies 2nd XI started positively, pushing forward with Kate Ward and Dani Morgan working the ball well between them.

The hosts then put them under a lot of pressure, but Bridget Headaux, Hilary McNeil and Niamh Dillon did well to stop their opponents getting into the D. 

Winscombe had a goal disallowed, but they continued to attack and took the lead shortly after.

Bridgwater started the second half much better, with Lauren Morrish and Kashi Morrish working hard in midfield, while Sue Durkin made some good saves in goal. 

Clare Wilson then found Jess Shobbrook, who did a great job of taking it around the keeper to score. 

The hosts put on the pressure again and won a couple of short corners, then scored from a straight shot. 

Bridgwater continued to work hard to get an equaliser, but could not score.

Player of the match: Jenny Hayden-Briffet 

Their next match, also on February 24, is at home to ECVH 2nds (10.30am).