Hockey

Wotton under Edge 2nds 0 Thornbury 3

IN bitterly cold conditions with the occasional snow flurry, Thornbury deservedly took the points.

The home side came out of the blocks quickly but their attacks were comfortably dealt with by Carys Allen and Elaine Arnold. Jess Taylor, Anna Prince and Rosie Liddington combined effectively for the visitors.

Thornbury took the lead when Molly Smith was on hand to tap the ball home past the keeper following a Megan McLachlan cross.

Nicky Bruce upfront caused the home defence problems with a number of probing runs and a well taken goal by Anna Prince increased the Thornbury lead to two goals.

Thornbury continued to dominate the game in the second half with Lou Lou Taylor and Ffion Harper prominent.

Thornbury constructed a number of pleasing passing movements with Alex Arnold roaming effectively all over the pitch.

It was no surprise when Anna Prince increased the lead with a powerful shot which gave the home keeper no chance. Ellen Creed in goal was a virtual spectator thanks to the dominance that Thornbury had.

The home sides experienced Sharon Bates and Cathy York thwarted a number of promising Thornbury attacks.

But the visitors were unable to score further goals so had to be content with a 3-0 win and valuable points.

Nicky Bruce’s side entertain Bristol and West, a team just below them in the table, on Saturday at Castle School 10.30am.

Meanwhile again on a bitterly cold morning, the young Thornbury seconds found league leaders Wick seconds too hot to handle.

An injury to Sarah Lally lessened the goal scoring capacity of the home side for whom Mel Evans and Megan Grigg were close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

The experienced Rachel Underwood and Sarah Brearley steadied matters for the home side who continued to battle hard despite conceding goals at regular intervals to the rampant visitors.

Hannah Williams and Yasmin Branfield stopped a number of attacks and Jess Wilson, Charlie Griffiths, Keelin Hales and Amy Horler contributed fully to pleasing performance despite the loss.

Steph Staton in goal also denied the visitors with a couple of saves.

Thornbury visit Westberries fourths on Saturday in search of a morale boosting win.