Old Bristolians 2, SOHC 0 After a successful win the week before SOHC ladies’ first eleven were keen to get their first trip to Bristol this half of the season completed with a win, writes Sarah Hutchings.

After a positive pre-game talk from Lea Pidgeon the ladies were in a fighting mood, although Jess Allen was a little on the pale side after a mountain of chocolate brownies for breakfast!

SOHC made a powerful start, working the ball smoothly up to the attacking D. The home team were clearly surprised at this bold approach and quickly responded which drew the best pout of the SOHC defensive line. The game swung from D to D at a rapid rate with team coach Gus McVey thinking he was watching a game of tennis, not hockey!

As SOHC began to wilt under the pace ‘keeper Hayley Delasalle made sure the scores stayed level as she made a number of excellent saves, one of which led to her picking up a heavily bruised elbow!

Emily Ackland, Lucy Broad and Sophie Jackson connected well with Nicky Bishop who ran up and down the left wing stealing balls from the opposition.

SOHC dug deep and gave as good as they got. Just as they looked like taking the upper hand they fell behind when a home player managed to squeeze the ball beyond Delasalle.

SOHC battled back under the touchline prompting of McVey and a resting Jodie Parsons. The midfield battle was a key one with Lucy Broad and Sara Roberts working hard to keep the shape and the pace of the game strong. Unfortunately the home side doubled their lead just before the break.

In the second half, with Parsons back on the pitch, the defence pushed hard and created more play in the SOHC attacking D. Lea Pidgeon looked determined to get a goal, but was let down by some indifferent umpire decisions and so ended without a goal to her name.

The 2-0 defeat most certainly does not do justice to an outstanding team performance fro SOHC.

The Player of the Match award went to Nicky Bishop

On Saturday the ladies are in home action at Ottery with Bridgwater the visitors’ for a contest that begins at 12.30.

This ought to be a game not to miss and supporters will, as always, be made very welcome!