MINEHEAD and West Somerset Ladies hockey team hosted an incredibly strong Exeter University 5th team at the weekend.

The game was played in a gale-force wind with plenty of rain and, unfortunately, the Minehead team suffered a disappointingly heavy loss. However, morale remained high with some brilliant defence work from Carol Matravers, Charlottes, Jess, Tracey and Molly and some great saves in goal from Becca.

A good half-time refuel and team talk with coach Freddie and Dee and the team continued to work tirelessly, passing the ball up with captain Amy storming through midfield, with the help of Kate and Hannah to pass some shots up to Di, Morgan & Saffie. The Custom Wookie Cycles’ Player of the match deservedly went to Molly Rucklidge.

Minehead and West Somerset mens' first team's first home fixture of the season saw them face Yeovil and Sherborne 2s. After a decent first win, and with a few new faces on board, spirits were high.

Despite this Minehead struggled to settle into a rhythm, and what was a fairly attacking squad, were left open at the back and two goals to the worse at half time.

After a rousing talk from stand-in captain Mark Bolton at half time, the troops rallied and new player Joe Notaro found the net to bring Minehead back into the game. This swing in momentum was short lived, however, as pressing to equalize left Minehead open to concede three more goals. The final score was also a disappointing 5-1 and a few things time think about. Player of the match, Joe Rowson.

Minehead 2s travelled away to play Chard 3s who normally feature plenty of young players, and with Minehead only having eleven men, this was going to be a test of fitness. Minehead played three defenders which gave the forwards plenty of options and most of the first half was played in the opposition’s half.

Several attempts on goal were thwarted by the Chard keeper but Morris Burrough eventually found the back of the net with a skilful flick to put his side ahead.

Rufus Strong took a stick to the head and there was a worry that Minehead would be down to ten players but he came back onto the pitch and carried on his excellent work in midfield.

There was some really enjoyable, flowing hockey which made Chard work hard but one of their few ventures into the Minehead D resulted in a simple goal which drew both teams level at half time.

Second half performance was more equally matched with Chard using substitutions to keep Minehead moving and test fitness. Penalty corners for both sides were fruitless with Minehead midfield running back to help defend led by man of the match Ben Moody and this saw the match end with a final score of 1-1.

Minehead and West Somerset Ladies’ training is on Tuesday evening at West Somerset Sports Centre from 7pm and the men’s training is at 730pm on Wednesdays.

This coming weekend, Saturday, October 11, sees the Ladies travel to Honiton Hornets hoping the weather will be kinder to them. The Men’s 1s face Taunton Vale 4s, the 2s are on the road to face Yeovil & Sherborne, and the 3s go up the M5 to face Weston Super Mare 2s.