West Women's Hockey League

Berkeley Division One

Thornbury 3 Yate 2nds 2

A WHOLE-hearted team performance saw Thornbury come from 2-0 down to claim a deserved victory over Yate.

The visitors were in control for much of the match and took a deserved lead through Alex Bissex.

Thornbury were hampered by the loss of experienced defender Elaine Dreyton, who suffered a recurrence of a leg injury, but Jenny Arnold stepped into the breach when she came on and contributed to the team effort.

The experienced Bissex increased the Yate lead when she hammered the ball home with a shot which gave Hannah Kemp no chance.

Captain Sian Fuller led by example and the whole team responded to the challenge, which saw Rachel Gardener reduce the lead.

The energetic midfielder hammered the ball home following a short corner for Thornbury's first league goal of the season.

Thornbury's confidence increased and, following a well-directed cross from Amanda McGarry, Fuller scored.

Helen Hewlett steadied the visitors, who lost their composure following rolling substitutions, and the home side sensed a first victory of the season as they went on the attack.

Poppy Woolnough and Sarah Brownhill were prominent, whilst Tess Wheatley, Alex Arnold and Becky Jones were solid in defence.

The home side continued to press forward and Elaine Arnold grabbed the winner with time running out.

Thornbury visit Redland seconds on Saturday.

* Thornbury seconds were narrowly beaten by local rivals Badminton in Division Two.

A 1-0 defeat did not reflect the performance by the Thornbury side.

Rachel Underwood and Lorna Thornton were unfortunate not to score on a couple of occasions.

Thornbury entertain South Gloucs on Saturday at Castle School, midday.

* Thornbury have been forced to withdraw their third team from Division Three.

A combination of players retiring, moving to other clubs and others going to university resulted in the decision, though it is hoped that this will only be a temporary and that the team will be resurrected next season.

Training continues on Monday evenings at Castle School, at 6.30pm for juniors followed by the seniors at 7.30pm.