TAUNTON Vale ladies 1sts opened their West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Premier Division 1 season with a 3-1 loss at Firebrands on Saturday.

Vale have the chance to pick up their first points of the new campaign this coming Saturday, as they host Bristol University, who lost out to Cheltenham last weekend.

Vale 5ths were also in action, beaten 2-1 at home by White Eagles 3rds in Sedgemoor Division 2, and they are at Winscombe 4ths this Saturday.

The weekend sees all of Vale’s other ladies teams begin their 2017/18 campaigns, with the 2nds away to White Eagles, the 3rds travelling to Firebrands 3rds, and the 4th XI at home to Burnham-on-Sea.

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TAUNTON Civil Service ladies 2nds served up a cracker in their opening match in Sedgemoor Division 2, their home game with Winscombe 4ths containing nine goals.

Unfortunately for the hosts, it was Winscombe who claimed the win by a 5-4 margin to earn the points.

Poppy Pring, Teya Fowler (2) and Ella Hockey scored for the home side.

This weekend sees Civil Service 2nds on the road, as they go to Exeter & Culm Vale Hornets 2nds.

Saturday also brings the opening match of the season for Civil Service ladies 1st XI in Sedgemoor Division 1.

Like the club’s second string, they face ECVH, but this time their 1st XI, and at home.

Somerset County Gazette:

PASS: Taunton Civil Service 2nds' Freya Williams​ (centre) against Winscombe. Pic: Steve Richardson

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Friendly match
Taunton Vale 4ths 1, Minehead 1sts 4

MINEHEAD 1st XI’s season got underway with a friendly fixture away to Taunton Vale on Saturday.

In an even first half, Taunton took the lead after a great cross from Jaqui Besley led to Janet Reynolds rounding the Minehead keeper, and Talia Bird was on hand to put Taunton 1-0 up.

A positive half-time talk and a small reshuffle and Minehead were soon level as the ball came to Charlotte Vale on the edge of the circle and she fired the ball past the keeper for her first goal.

Shortly after, Naomi Trunks, who was outstanding in midfield, dribbled into the circle and put Minehead 2-1 up. Just 10 minutes into the second half and Minehead extended their lead following good work on the right by debutant Libby Chambers, whose shot just crossed the line.

Minehead were now more in control and could have gone 4-1 up but Vicky Perkins’ penalty flick was disallowed for “slapping”.

Denise Lancaster did make the final score 4-1, with the last hit of the match.

This was a good team performance, particularly in the second half, with several individuals receiving at least one vote, but Minehead’s player of the match was Naomi Trunks.

Taunton’s player of the match was newcomer Ellie Wood.

Taunton team: Sam Johnson, Elaine Balderstone-Dowds, Ellie Wood, Anne Balderstone-Dowds (Capt), Jess Hawkins, Jo Steele-Perkins, Helen Barnard, Talia Bird, Jaqui Besley, Lucy Wray, Sophie Walker, Jan Reynolds, Liz Spencer
Minehead team: Janice Weetch, Carol Matravers, Sue Garwood, Di Hobbs, Naomi Trunks, Libby Chambers, Zoey Cape, Denise Lancaster, Vicky Perkins (Capt), Charlotte Vale, Jo Elliott, Belinda Brown 

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West Clubs Women’s Hockey League
Sedgemoor Division 2
Minehead Ladies 2nd XI 1, Taw Valley 2nd XI 2

IN the opening match of their league campaign, Minehead hosted close rivals Taw Valley, and were unable to hold on to the lead as Taw emerged victorious.

After a confident start, and much of the possession, Minehead’s goal was created as Liz Darby drove forward strongly, slipping the ball to Wendy Daughtrey, who had time and space in front of goal to beat the keeper with a firm strike.

Taw then got into their stride, and scored on the break to draw level, despite some solid defending by Jess Koppa, Hannah Cornish and Tracey Bailey.

Taw’s second goal came just before half time, and Minehead went into the break wondering how they were behind in a game in which they felt dominant.

The second half saw Minehead determined to take the spoils, and they attacked relentlessly.

Amy Tisshaw worked hard to build up attacking moves, with midfielders Briony Smith, Kelsey Howard, Izzy Fitzgerald and Kaylyn Porter all contributing to the drive forward.

Amelia Swallow, on the right wing, persevered in getting the ball across, and several short corners were earned but not converted.

Taw marked well and were able to frustrate and close down Minehead’s attempts to create scoring opportunities.

In the dying moments, Minehead’s closest chance came from Jodie Wallace’s shot that was well saved by the Taw keeper.

The AR Computing joint players of the match were: Amy Tisshaw, Kaylyn Porter and Wendy Daughtrey.

Minehead: Ell Kaye, Tracey Bailey, Hannah Cornish, Jess Koppa, Briony Smith, Liz Darby, Amy Tisshaw, Kelsey Howard, Izzy Fitzgerald, Kaylyn Porter, Amelia Swallow, Wendy Daughtrey, Jodie Wallace.

This Saturday, both Minehead teams will be in league action.

The first team are at home to Mid Somerset (10.30am) and the second team are away against Weston-super-Mare.