MINEHEAD & West Somerset Hockey Club’s Mens’ 2nds travelled to Mid Somerset at the weekend with the hope of a win, given the opposition’s bottom position in the table.

The West Somerset side started pressing from the off and within a couple of minutes Sam Cobb had put the visitors ahead. And they continued to dominate the first half with most of the play within their 25 with relentless short corners and shots at goal. And by half time they had established a commanding 4-0 lead against their struggling opponents.

The second half saw Mid-Somerset make a few breaks which Minehead had to defend and keep goalkeeper Clappy a clean sheet despite him hoping to get some action.

The second half continued well for the visitors with lot of shots and chances at goal but only three more goals scored. However, a few minutes of madness from the opposition backchatting to one of their umpires resulted in a defender and goalkeeper being green carded.

With a 9-man opposition, this was a chance for Minehead to reposition and give an opportunity for their youngsters to score. Albert Vickery came up from defence and took the opportunity to finally clinch a goal after two seasons of desperately trying and Man of the Match Ben Cobb struck the ball from the top of the D to score his first in his debut season. Not quite a youngster, but on his birthday, Ben Druitt put away a good drag goal to make his birthday dreams come true - and to celebrate!.

The game ended in a 9-0 success for Minehead (scores: Sam C, Ben C, Ben D, Morris B x2, Lawrence, John C x2, Albert V).

Minehead Men’s firstt team looked to continue their nine-game unbeaten run on Saturday at home against Sidmouth and Ottery. The preceding weeks had seen the Seasiders scrape some good wins and show spirit when the going got tough.

The game started well, Heale scoring from a penalty corner quickly, before Bolton snapped up another to take the score to 2-0. Unphased, however the visitors bounced back and some defensive errors allowed them to level up the scores at 2-2.

Minehead continued to push forward, despite struggling with a high press from the opposition, and at half time the scores were 5-3 to Minehead.

Some formation changes at half time proved useful, and Minehead quickly sank into playing some of their best hockey, short sharp passes and cutting runs, resulting in well taken goals.

Sidmouth and Ottery still had to have a say, however, and despite some great defending, Staniland in particular, they were able to score one more. Minehead held a comfortable lead and the final score was 9-4, hat-tricks for Mark Bolton and Wheaton, Jones continuing to stamp his mark from the back finding net again also. Max Staniland was named player of the match for a defiant defensive and attacking performance.

The Thirds had a painful trip to Bridgwater 4s, coming out second best in a 3-2 encounter with goals coming from Max Reed and the evergreen Richard Darlington.

This weekend, March 7, sees three home matches as the Ladies start proceedings against Bridgwater; the Men’s 2 then face Old Bristolians and the 3’s finish at 2pm against Culm Valley.