Verde Recreo Men’s League
Championship
Firebrands A 2, Taunton Vale 3

VALE men’s 1sts travelled to Bristol to play a Firebrands team that had picked up some strong results in recent weeks.

But Vale started with purpose and were soon one up, as Ross Hardwick set up Karl Trunks for a reverse stick shot which Ethan Williams finished off.

Despite being in the ascendancy the visitors were then pegged back, after a lapse in communication led to a simple chance which Firebrands converted.

In the second half Vale played more composed hockey and were rewarded as Martin Johnson tucked away a well-executed short corner, and then Adam Veitch finished well after good work once more from Trunks.

At 3-1 Firebrands threw everything they could at their visitors, pulling one back late on through a short corner.

Despite the pressure, Vale held on for the win with Bayley Chatwin making an important save in the dying minutes.

Man of the match: Henry Ormrod

On Saturday, Vale entertain Clifton Robinsons A (noon start).

Southern 1
Taunton Vale A 6, Tavistock 5

AFTER a bump in the road against Plymouth Marjon last week, Vale were determined to get back on track.

They extended their unbeaten run at Gipsy Lane, but only after a high-scoring thriller.

Tavistock opened the scoring from a counter-attack, but the hosts soon levelled, only for the away side to go back ahead.

Dave Pratt’s chip equalised, and both teams scored again to leave the score 3-3 at half time.

Goals in the second half from Sam Young, Andy Stevenson and another for Pratt put Vale into a comfortable position, but Tavistock continued to play hard and made it an uncomfortable finish.

Man of the Match: Dave Pratt

This Saturday, Vale go to Sidmouth for a top-of-the-table clash (noon).

Central 1
Bristol UWE 2, Taunton Vale B 2

THE 3rd XI continued their improved form with a draw away to the University of the West of England.

The students shaded the early stages, Vale keeper Ed Peachey making a couple of smart stops.

The visitors grew into the game and opened the scoring following a penalty corner, skipper Paul Bottomley bundling the ball in from close range.

Freddie Stevens then hit the post, before UWE equalised with a fierce shot.

Vale were slow to get going after half time, and were indebted to Peachey and last-ditch defending from George Hebditch and Lewis Sparkes.

They fell behind with a quarter of the game to go, but with just three minutes left the visitors won a penalty corner through Matt Osmant, which Colin Jewhurst dispatched to equalise.

Vale survived two penalty corners in the dying moments to clinch a point.

Man of the match: Ed Peachey

Vale B host Mid Somerset next (3pm).

South East 1
Taunton Vale C 1, Isca D 2

VALE’s men’s 4ths remain locked in a tight battle in the bottom half of South East 1, after losing 2-1 at home to second-bottom Isca D on Saturday.

One of four teams on 10 points, Vale go to league leaders ECV Hornets A on Saturday (2pm).

South East 2
Taunton Vale D 2, Taunton Civil Service A 2

AN evenly contested local derby was played at Gipsy Lane on Saturday, and a fair 2-2 draw was the outcome.

There were some well placed flicks from Civil Service short corners but after each goal from the visitors, Vale responded, initially with a deflection from Freddie Wolfenden and then Stu Morling nipping in for number two, from well-worked routines.

Civil Service showed determination and skill, and were constantly pressurising Vale, who managed to hold firm.

There were some inevitable cards shown due to ‘enthusiastic players’ during the match, but overall the game was played in good spirits.

Vale travel to Sidmouth & Ottery C next up (1.30pm).

South East 3
Taunton Vale E 4, East Devon D 3

VALE struggled to a unconvincing victory against lowly East Devon.

Trailing 2-0 at half time, Vale reduced the deficit though a smart finish from Kieran Warren, only to fall further behind almost immediately from a short corner.

Two well taken goals from Liam Elliot tied the game up, before a last-minute winner from Ross Smith put Vale back on top of the league.

Man of the match: Kieran Warren & Roland Zwarteveen

This Saturday, Vale host Bridgwater D (4.30pm).

***

TAUNTON Vale ladies 1sts drew 2-2 at Lydney on Saturday, in their penultimate match of 2018.

This coming Saturday they entertain Isca 2nds (1.30pm start).

Vale 2nds lost 6-4 at home to Caradon, while the 3rd XI won 6-0 at White Eagles 2nds and the 4ths lost 7-1 against Mid Somerset.

The ladies 5ths hammered Minehead 2nds 7-0, but the 6th XI were beaten 8-2 at Bridgwater 2nds.

Taunton Civil Service ladies 1sts drew 1-1 at Firebrands 3rds, and the 2nds beat Weston-super-Mare 3rds 4-1.

The CS men’s 1sts won 3-2 at home to South East 1 leaders ECV Hornets A, closing the gap at the top to three points.