MINEHEAD Hockey Club 2’s ended their campaign at Chard in the usual strongly-contested fixture. An emotional day started with a minute’s applause to mark the unexpected passing of a Chard stalwart of 45 years, supported from the touchline by the other Chard Men’s and Ladies’ sides.

The first quarter saw Minehead slow out of the blocks and under constant pressure. A couple of midfield breaks by skipper Joe Bolton and wing-man John Clegg saw gaps open up, and against the run of play a couple of short corners were won with Simon Strong slotting the second to surprise the hosts.

It wasn’t long before Chard struck back from their own short corner, and the sides went in to the half-time break all-square.

The second half again saw Minehead go ahead through a Clegg goal, popping the ball over Chard’s keeper, only to see Chard score directly from the restart to stun Minehead.

Chard could sense a win looming, and with support from the sidelines on the hottest day of the year so far it wasn’t long before a third well taken goal saw Chard home safely and the season end.

The 3’s made the trip to Gordano to face undefeated league runaway champions North Somerset. The game started evenly, with Nev Weire in defence to replace the injured Paul Thomas, and Morris Burrough limping in at centre forward to replace Richard Darlington. 3-0 down at half time and slightly hopeful of a contest saw the champions run in six more goals to end a 9-0 victory.

A thoroughly enjoyable season for all three Minehead Men’s hockey teams now ends, with generally mixed results they have all enjoyed good sports but even better post-match camaraderie. With a May AGM due hockey action will return in July for the fun Mixed Summer League.