Verde Recreo League
West Central 2
Bridgwater 3rds 4, Westbury & UB 6ths 1

THERE was much anticipation for the game to start, heightened even more so by the late flurry of available players, meaning the hosts went into their first game of the season with four subs.

The same could not be said for the opposition, however, as unfortunately for them they only managed to field eight players.

The numbers game was not to be of an immediate advantage, though, as Bridgwater soon found themselves a goal down.

The hosts found their feet, however, and equalised through Steve Pigden, before Steve Wilson put them 2-1 up at half-time.

After the break, Rich Payne scored a third for the home side with a cheeky top corner flick over the keeper’s left shoulder, and they added a fourth with another deflected goal from Pigden.

Man of the match: Steve Pigden

South East 2
Mid Somerset 2nds 12, Bridgwater 4ths 0

THIS week was the start of a new era for the club, as the 4ths and 5ths merged into one to become the 4th XI.

There were debuts for Andrew Larcombe, Trystan Hudson and Liam Barrow, all of whom are breaking in to senior hockey at the age of 13.

Despite having little in the way of match practice together, Bridgwater started well, with Steve Morrish and James Kettlewell looking busy with Barrow at the back.

The visitors also looked threatening going forward, as Oscar West and Bertie Kelly bombed down the wings, and Toby Knight and Aaron Turner looking good in the middle.

Hudson created a half-chance for Harvey Larcombe, but then the tide turned as a fitter Mid Somerset team scored a couple of goals.

Mid Somerset’s subs ultimately changed the game and made life very hard for the Bridgwater defence and goalkeeper Christian Durkin, as shots came flying in from all angles.

The passing and moving from Mid Somerset was crisp and sharp, and way better than Bridgwater could cope with, meaning it was 8-0 at half-time.

Bridgwater managed to create some half-chances and the score was goalless for the first 15 minutes of the half, but then Mid Somerset changed their formation to score another four.

Man of the match: Liam Barrow

***

BRIDGWATER Hockey Club’s 1st XI, 2nd XI and ladies 1st XI all rounded off their pre-season campaigns with their final friendly fixtures this week.

Bridgwater men’s 1sts were 4-0 winners over South Gloucestershire, breaking the deadlock against the run of play when Jordan Rawles slotted home after a great run from Tom Stacey.

The lead was doubled when Sam Uminski’s cross evaded everyone and found the back of the net.

The second-half performance was much improved from Bridgwater, and they had a third goal as Duncan Morrish struck from a short corner.

Ash Woolmington rounded off the scoring with a fantastic individual effort, and Bridgwater go to Team Bath Buccs D for their opening Central 1 fixture this coming Saturday.

The men’s 2nd XI enjoyed a 6-0 win over Ashmoor 3rds, thanks to a fine team performance which could have been rewarded by an even higher score.

The goals were shared between Tyler Coleman, Paul Bond, Will Pope, Connor Neal and Joe Syvret.

League matters get under way on Saturday, with the start of the West Central 1 campaign, at home to Clifton Robinsons at Chilton.

Bridgwater ladies won their final friendly match 6-2 over Minehead, with three goals in each half.

After a goalless first quarter, Bridgwater switched up a gear and went 3-1 ahead thanks to goals from Sheila Burridge, Lucy Burridge and Sapphy Reed-Yang.

They then mirrored the first half with another three goals, from Reed-Yang, Lauren Morrish and Charlotte East.

Bridgwater host North Somerset on Saturday.