Berkeley Division One

Wotton-under-Edge Ladies 2 Westberries 3rds1

HAVING disappointingly lost on their last two outings, this was a crucial win for Wotton Ladies first team over their close rivals in the Berkeley One League.

The game started evenly with attacks at both ends before Wotton conceded from a breakaway that overtook their defence.

After the two previous defeats this was an ominous sign and Wotton needed to call up all their emotional reserves to overcome this setback. And they did.

Minutes later, Lauren Leyland won a penalty corner that was converted by captain Jasmin George in consummate style. A further penalty corner bullet-shot from Beccy Chalmers was then stopped on the line by a Westberries defender, but then George put Wotton ahead at the next penalty corner.

As the half ended, Wotton looked like scoring again when three consecutive rebounds were struck at the visitors ‘keeper who valiantly denied the strikers.

After the break, at 2-1 to Wotton, both sides held firm and, while Wotton spent a long period in the middle under pressure, the inspirational trio of Beccy Jones, Cathy York and Myra Patterson kept the visitors at bay.

Finally, a breakaway by Wotton after defending a penalty corner resulted in a goal attempt which was disallowed for striking a foot on the way in.

All in all, it was a satisfying result for Wotton that puts them in third place in their league.