MINEHEAD Hockey Club’s men’s 1st XI ended their pre-season with an exciting 6-4 win away to Taunton Vale at the weekend.

Minehead took an early lead, with a flowing move that was finished by debutant Tom White, and Archie Marsh’s cool finish doubled the lead.

Vale fought back to go into half-time leading 3-2, but Marsh scored again for the visitors at the start of the second half.

Nick Bennett put them back ahead, and Nev Weir made it 5-3 after another slick passing move.

The hosts pulled it back to 5-4, but Minehead has the last word with Marsh completing his hat-trick.

Minehead 2nds also played away to Taunton Vale, and went down 4-2 to a strong home side.

John Clegg’s two goals gave Minehead a 2-1 advantage at half-time, but a counter-attack goal and two strikes from short corners turned the tables after the break.

Minehead’s 3rd XI were beaten 3-2 in an entertaining friendly at home to Taunton Civil Service, which saw new players on both sides enjoying their first taste of competitive senior hockey.

Civil Service’s youthful side went 2-0 up, Darren Meecham and Paul Jones levelled it up, and a fine solo goal won it for the visitors.

The 2020/21 league season starts in earnest this coming Saturday (October 24), with Minehead’s 1st XI heading to Devizes for their opening Central 1 fixture (noon start).

Minehead A host Teign in South East 1 (2pm) and Minehead B entertain Taunton Vale E in South East 2 (noon).

Taunton Vale’s 1st XI do not start their Premiership campaign until October 31, but Vale A are in action this Saturday, away to Shepton Mallet in Conference South (1pm).

Vale B visit Team Bath Buccs C in Central 1 (2pm), while in South East 1 Vale C are at home to West Dorset A (3pm) and Vale D host Yeovil & Sherborne A (4.30pm).

Taunton Civil Service A entertain Sidmouth & Ottery C in South East 2 (1pm).

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THE West Clubs Women’s League also gets under way this Saturday, with Taunton Vale ladies 1sts at home to Lydney in Premier Division 1 (1.30pm).

Vale 2nds go to Sidmouth & Ottery in the Central Division (12.15pm), the 3rd XI visit Sidmouth & Ottery 3rds in Sedgemoor Division 1 (10.30am), the 4ths host Sidmouth & Ottery 4ths in Sedgemoor Division 2 (10am) and Vale 5ths head to Yeovil & Sherborne 4ths in Wessex Division 2 (10am).

Civil Service 1st XI, meanwhile, entertain their Minehead counterparts in the Central Division (11am).