West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Berkeley Division One

Wotton 3 Avonmouth 3

IN A thriller at Wotton’s New Road home ground, the top two teams in the league slugged out a close-fought match that ended in a justifiable draw.

The Avonmouth forwards were skilful and effective and took the lead in the first five minutes.

But Wotton held their nerve and Becky Chalmers’ dazzling run into the visitors' circle and sizzling shot was a prelude to a deft response from Sharron Bates to put the scores level.

League leaders Avonmouth scored again with a creative move that left keeper Cora Maddox stranded.

Minutes later a shot from player-of-the-match Jasmin George was deflected to the perfectly positioned Lauren Leyland, who put the teams level, and in the closing minutes of the half it was George who put Wotton ahead with a precisely directed push shot.

The second half was a different story. For ten minutes Wotton absorbed the pressure from the Avonmouth forwards but from then on gradually took more control of the game.

As the clock ticked down the prospects for a win grew, but in the last few minutes a clearance was pounced upon by the Avonmouth forwards and the final score was written.

Wotton pressed back and in the remaining minutes looked like securing a winner, but their penalty corner routine succumbed and the teams walked off honours even.

The stiff opposition brought out Wotton’s best performance this season and while there were sterling performances put in by Maddox, Abi Ellis, Heather Reid, Tori Adams and Ellie Stimpson, it was the team effort that denied the league leaders a win.

Berkeley Two

North Wilts 2nds 0 Wotton 4

TWO goals from Charlotte-Louise Gigg, one from Katherine Edwards and one from captain Victoria McCuaig gave Wotton victory in a game played with amazing team play and passion.

The well-deserved player of the match was Tessa Mansbridge.