Thornbury 1 Clifton Robinsons 4ths 1

THORNBURY thoroughly deserved to earn a point in a 1-1 draw with the league leaders.

The home side started confidently and put the visitors under pressure with Megan Allen and Nicky Bruce prominent.

The visitors came more into the game but found the home defenders, Tess Wheatley, Elaine Arnold, Sara Newman and Rosie Liddington in good form.

Thornbury took the lead after just 18 minutes when Lucy Woodruff bamboozled the visitors defence to score a fine goal.

Amanda McGarry and Jen Arnold along with Alex Arnold contributed a number of well executed exchanges in midfield and Megan McLachlan and Izzy Hunter combined effectively to provide the front runners with a number of defence-splitting passes.

The visitors equalised shortly before the break when Taylor Hale, a former Avonmouth player scored.

The second half was a free-flowing affair with the visitors putting the home side under great pressure.

Liz Jenkins, in goal, was equal to the task and made a number of excellent saves.

Rachel Underwood made a number of runs down the side line and the home side had a late chance to gain victory but the ball hit a Thornbury foot instead of the stick and the chance was lost.

Thornbury go into the winter break in third spot which is considerably better than their position at the same time last season.

Thornbury seconds are in fourth spot in their division again an improvement on last season.

League fixtures resume in January with Thornbury first team at home to Lydney and the seconds away at North Wilts on January 14.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Thornbury Under-16s were affected by an injury to their popular captain Megan Allen who received a blow to the face but the team, although losing, battled gallantly against a strong Cheltenham side.

Their next game is against Team Bath in January whilst the Under-14 side play their last game before the break against Team Bath on Sunday.

l Follow Thornbury Hockey Club at gazetteseries.co.uk/sport