West Women’s Hockey League

Berkeley Division One

Wotton 2 Old Bristolians 3rds 0

IN THE first half of the season, Old Bristolians were one of the few teams to take a point against Wotton, so the Blues were resolved to give a good account of themselves in the return home fixture.

In the event Wotton completely dominated the game from start to finish and it was only a virtuoso performance from the OB’s keeper that prevented a runaway scoreline.

The only downside for Wotton was that they won ten penalty corners in the first half and were unable to convert any despite varying their routine and techniques. So, the scores were level at half-time but Wotton were two up after 15 minutes of the second half.

Becky Chalmers took the first when she drove into the D and crashed a shot home.

Eilidh Rogers collected the second, shooting through a crowded defence.

The dominating feature was Wotton’s passing play and tactical awareness. Anna Patteson was influential in defence and Claire Clarke gave strength to the midfield.

Next week a trip to Lydney closes the season, where Wotton can secure second place with a victory, but whatever the result it has been a creditable and formative season for the squad.

Wotton seconds won 4-2 at Thornbury thirds in Division Three.

The visitors started brightly and scored three first half goals through Lauren Leyland (2) and Ellie Stimpson, whilst Jackie Collins added a fourth in the second half.

* All three of Wotton’s men teams again went unbeaten in the Davis Wood Hockey League last weekend, although there was disappointment in the two sides who recorded draws that they did not bag all three points.

The firsts dominated their home match against Aberystwyth University, who were fighting for survival in De Cymru and Marches Division One, but missed countless goalscoring opportunities and had to come from behind to gain a 2-2 draw.

In East Central Division One, the seconds were involved in a thriller with Team Bath Buccaneeers sixths and scored the winner in their 4-3 away victory with the last hit of the game.

The thirds had a tough match against Bourton and Sherborne seconds, placed third in Marches Division Two.

Continuing the previous week’s hospitality to visiting sides, they conceded two soft early goals before pulling back to 2-2 on the stroke of half-time.

Despite getting the better of their opponents in the second half, the Blues shipped a well-taken goal from a penalty corner and had to rely on a kind deflection to equalise and finish with a hard-fought 3-3 draw.