Hockey: (From Gazette Series)

West Women’s Hockey League Berkeley Division One: Wotton-under-Edge 2 Stroud 1

10:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport

WITH just a few games left in the season, Wotton were looking comfortable in the middle of the table, but their win over Stroud will surely galvanise them towards a final push on up the table.

Wotton started the game well, with creative play putting Stroud under considerable pressure. The first half was characterised by penetrating runs and fabulous interceptions up front by Anna Patteson and player of the match Heather Reid.

Early into the half Wotton won several short corners, two of which were converted into sparkling goals by Jasmin George from sophisticated and highly effective short corner routine.

Josie Buist, Myra Patterson and Cathy York worked hard in defence, keeping the Stroud attacks at bay, while Sharron Bates toiled tirelessly right across the pitch.

With a 2-0 lead and a goal disallowed by half time, Wotton would have hoped to increase the scoreline considerably, but a lack of substitutes, injury and illness combined to make the job harder than expected.

Wotton were looking weary by the end of the game, and pressure from Stroud was converted into a series of short corners, where their resolve was thoroughly tested. A fantastic stop on the goal line by captain York rallied the defence, but eventually Stroud pulled a goal back.

• In Division Three, Wotton seconds drew 1-1 at Avonmouth seconds.