West Club Women’s League - Premier Division 1
Taunton Vale Ladies 1st XI 6, Bournemouth Ladies 1st XI 1

TAUNTON Vale Ladies 1sts got their 2017 campaign off to a cracking start on Saturday, but they had to wait until the second half to truly run riot against visitors Bournemouth.

Coming into the match in eighth position in the league, but with only five points between them and the bottom four, it was crucial that Vale claimed victory against their 11th-placed opponents.

But there was not much in it in the first half, with Nic Westworth scoring the only goal before the break to give Vale a slender lead.

After the interval, by contrast, the hosts were relentless.

Second-half goals came from Karina Kilner (2), Victoria Knight, Noush Evans and Kathryn Lennard, giving Vale an impressive 6-1 win.

Player of the match went to Taunton’s first goalscorer Westworth, although Sara Similien also deserves credit for an excellent performance in defence.

The result moves them onto 16 points, the same as seventh-placed Bristol University, with Plymouth Marjon (fifth) and Cheltenham (sixth) only one point further ahead.

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THIS Saturday’s assignment is a tough one, as Vale travel to the league leaders Clifton 2nds (1.30pm start).

The weekend also sees the season resume for Vale’s four other ladies teams, and five men’s teams.

The men’s 1st XI are at home to Plymouth Marjon in the GOCREA8 Premiership (1pm start).

Vale are currently ninth in the table, but they’re only two points behind sixth-placed Marjon – and three off Cardiff University in third.