Davis Wood Hockey League
East Central Division One
Swindon 2nds 4 Wotton-under-Edge 2nds 4
IT WAS honours even as third in the table Swindon played off against fourth-placed Wotton, in a thrilling, fast and physical match.
Wotton were missing several first choice players and the game started badly as they conceded within the first minute.
A rampant Swindon then threw everything at Wotton but the visitors' defence played superbly with Leo Murray-Davey at its heart, complemented by an outstanding effort in goal by man of the match Charlie Thomas.
The Blues equalised via Ed Sonnex after a good run by Sam Willcox.
Soon after Dan Jones threaded a lovely ball through to Jago Cropper, whose ball into the D was deflected in by Jones to give them the lead.
Swindon’s keeper then pulled off a superb save from a Stuart Emms penalty corner only for Sonnex to slot in the rebound.
So after being under the pump for most of the half, Wotton somehow found themselves 3-1 up at the break.
Two unanswered Swindon goals after the break ensured the score more accurately reflected the game; but Wotton were competing on an even footing now in an increasingly physical encounter.
Bruce Dunham’s strike from a penalty corner was deflected in via a defender's foot and Sonnex’s stick, giving him the latter his second hat-trick in as many weeks.
Wotton couldn’t hold on and Swindon equalised but a 4-4 draw was fair result and a deserved away point for the Blues.
More significantly, Wotton fielded five players of 15 or under in this match and they acquitted themselves admirably.
De Cymru & The Marches One
Wotton-under-Edge 4 Hereford 2
WOTTON went 2-0 up and had to weather a comeback from Hereford, who drew level before two more goals put the game away.
The Wotton goals came from Ryan Howarth (2), Dave Newns and a penalty stroke from James Cruickshank.
The Blues move up to third in the table.
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