GoCrea8 Central 1
Bridgwater 4, Mid Somerset 3

BRIDGWATER men’s 1st XI entertained third-placed Mid Somerset and got off to the perfect start, going ahead through Todd Barrett before extending their lead soon after as Tom Lott grabbed his first of the day. 

Even though Bridgy were the best team in the first half, the visitors were always dangerous on the counter-attack and they pulled one back before half time.

The second half was end-to-end with goals and cards galore. 

Lott made it 3-1, but another two for Mid Somerset meant the score was level at 3-3 with time running out. 

After a flurry of cards and sin bins, it was left for Lott to smash home the winning goal and complete his hat-trick as Bridgwater took the points to stay sixth in the league table. 

Man of the match: Tom Lott 

This coming Saturday they travel to Team Bath Buccs D (3.30pm start).

West Central 1
North Somerset A 9, Bridgwater A 1

THE 2nds made the trip up to North Somerset knowing it was going to be a tough game and things started badly for Bridgwater, conceding early to a well-worked breakaway goal.

This was a sign of things to come, with the away side outplayed in the first half and conceding four goals.

They started the second half much brighter, creating a few chances and eventually getting a goal through a penalty flick, converted by Will Kelly. 

But legs were starting to tire and gaps appeared, enabling the hosts to score a further five goals. 

Goalkeeper Brandon Durkin saved a penalty to prevent double figures.

Man of the match: Tom Stacy

Bridgwater host leaders Clifton Robinsons C on Saturday (2.15pm).

West Central 1
Bridgwater B 2, Bristol University D 7 

BRIDGWATER 3rds are staring relegation in the face after losing a crucial game to bottom-of-the-table Bristol University. 

The first half saw them go four goals down, but the second was a more even affair, with the hosts’ goals coming from Paul Bond and Jack Dillon.

Man of the match: Dom Rauch and Jack Dillon

Second bottom in the table, Bridgwater have a tough trip to Old Bristolians A this Saturday (4.30pm).

South East 2
ECV Hornets B 3, Bridgwater C 1

THE 4ths travelled to ECV Hornets, just above them in the table, knowing that a win would really signal their potential for promotion. 

It wasn’t to be, however, and Hornets made home advantage tell to take the points.

This Saturday fourth-placed Bridgwater host West Dorset A, who are eighth (12.15pm).

South East 3
Bridgwater D 1, Sidmouth & Ottery D 4

A YOUTHFUL 5th XI were undone by leaders Sidmouth & Ottery. 

The game started with both teams looking to press forward, but it was clear from the start that it was going to be a tough day for Bridgwater.

Sidmouth took the lead with a fine finish and, though goalkeeper Christian Durkin pulled off some magnificent saves, Bridgy were 2-0 down at half time. 

The hosts pressed for a goal but conceded twice more.

Keeper Durkin pulled off more cracking saves, and Dan Buller gave the home supporters something to cheer when his reverse strike found the roof of the net.

Man of the match: Sam Thomas; match ball sponsor: Roy Pumfrey

Bridgwater again showed signs of improvement, and on Saturday they travel to Ashmoor C (3.30pm).

Friendly
Burnham-on-Sea 10, Bridgwater 2nds 0

THE Ladies 2nds had a difficult friendly at Burnham-on-Sea.

Hilary McNeil, Rachel Higgs and Niamh Dillon did their best at the back as attacks rained down on them but Burnham took a 4-0 lead into half time, with their keeper denying Bridgwater’s Kashi Morrish in a one-on-one.

Bridgwater controlled the start of the second half, but Burnham took command and scored six more goals.

Abbie Stevens and Vicky Redwood both did a great job down the wing on their Bridgwater debuts. 

Player of the match: Rachel Higgs

On Saturday, Bridgwater ladies return to league duty, with the 1st XI at Clifton Robinsons 3rds (2.30pm) and the 2nds hosting ECVH 2nds (10.30am).

England Hockey Mixed Cup
Firebrands 9, Bridgwater 0

ON Sunday, Bridgwater’s mixed team travelled to Firebrands in the national cup, taking on a team who play in the top division. 

Firebrands got the first real opportunity of the game through a penalty flick, but Amy Burridge pulled off a terrific save – one of many during the afternoon. 

Bridgwater continued to battle, but they were 3-0 down at half-time.

The visitors saw at least four chances cleared off the line as Firebrands, with a combination of better fitness and fortune, won 9-0.

Bridgwater can hold their heads up high after playing well in the competition against higher-league opposition and gaining great experience.

Player of the match: Amy Burridge