Team Bath Buccaneers 2nds 3 Bretforton Ladies 0
West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Premier Division 2A
BRET were always likely to struggle against high-flying Bath on Saturday, but were thrilled to welcome back both Deb Slatter and Sarah Hall to the squad as both returned from long-term injury, and the Pink Ladies were equally grateful to Sarah Cook for playing through her pain.
This was a game in which the visitors’ defenders found themselves under a lot of pressure but their efforts were nothing short of outstanding and in fact this was the case throughout the team.
If effort won you points Bret would have gone home with all three. Indeed, Polly Christian played on despite a nasty first half knock and both Tess Lewinton and Julie Hall put in amazing displays despite playing out of position.
Bret somehow managed to keep the scoreline to 0-0 at half time but it was not long until Bath had them practising their short corner defending again.
The home side were reduced to trying out a new routine which had devastating results for Bret as a scorching strike left keeper Vicky Watkins with no chance and it was quickly followed by another fine goal.
Bret’s midfield of Lisa Workman, Danni Cox and Alice Cook kept them pushing on but it was central defender Heather Carr who took the plaudits of player of the match after some brilliant challenges.
Bath scored another goal right on the stroke of full time but Bret never let their heads drop and should be very proud of this display which had the top of the table team frustrated for long periods.
The Pink Ladies head to mid-table Chippenham on Saturday.
Bretforton Ladies 2nds 1 Ross-on-Wye Ladies 0
BRETFORTON 2nds returned to winning ways in a frustrating match in which they felt the margin of victory could have been greater.
On the front foot from the off, Bretforton pressurised the Ross defence through Hannah and Ness Dufty, with great support from defender Meg Betteridge.
Molly Stock on the left wing played some lovely hockey, linking up well with forward Lucy Cole.
Bret were unfortunate not to open the scoring when Sophie Hamilton picked up the ball just inside the 25-yard line and crossed into the D where forward Lucy Cole was unable to connect.
Towards the end of the first half Bret were awarded a short corner and Ness Dufty’s strike went just wide of the post.
The second half resumed all square and Bret’s Andrea Cole moved up front to pile the pressure on the Ross defence and create a number of opportunities.
Bret were finally rewarded for their hard work when Dufty put in a great cross to find player of the match Natalie Benwell perfectly positioned on the left post to guide the ball into the net.
The victory moved Bretforton up to fourth place and they host Cirencester 3rds on Saturday.
