MINEHEAD & West Somerset men’s hockey first team have recorded their first win of the season - after a torrid start to the season with some tough defeats.

Playing at home to Bath Buccaneers, Minehead fielded a strong squad, and started well, Kyle Wheaton finding the net after 20 minutes with a spinning shot. Minehead settled well into the half and absorbed pressure well from some talented opposition.

The half time talk called for more of the same and a critical second goal, which Wheaton once again provided, doubled their lead.

Ryan Jones looked good in goal, Joe Notaro-Livingstone was a great addition after a few weeks off but man of the match was Kyle Wheaton for his two-goal contribution.

Minehead are away at top of the table Taunton Vale this coming weekend.

*Minehead Ladies faced a tough challenge against league leaders North Devon Ladies 1's, in what proved to be a competitive game and the team’s first defeat of the season.

Minehead started strongly, holding North Devon at 0-0 for the opening 15 minutes with some determined defending and hard work across the pitch. Both teams moved the ball around well, creating some end-to-end play and making for an exciting opening period.

North Devon eventually found their way onto the scoresheet, with a few scrappy goals giving them the advantage going into half-time at 3-0.

Despite the scoreline, Minehead continued to battle hard and showed some great passages of play.

The second half saw North Devon add to their tally, including an impressive drag flick from a short corner. However, Minehead continued to put up a fight, with player of the match Jess Koppa producing an excellent goal-line clearance from another short corner to prevent a further goal.

In midfield, Gemma, Amy and Annabel worked tirelessly, making some fantastic runs and creating attacking opportunities. Minehead also used some great transfers across the pitch to keep possession and move the ball effectively. The team won a few short corners of their own but unfortunately couldn't quite find the back of the net.

Despite the final result, there were plenty of positives to take away from the performance, with some excellent teamwork, determination and moments of quality against the team currently sitting top of the league.

The Men’s Seconds’ tough season continued as they travelled to face a well-drilled Clifton Robinsons side and came out a distant second best again. Despite the scoreline the team are working hard for each other and not giving up, despite facing quality opposition on a weekly basis.

Minehead 3's headed to Chard to play Chard 2's last Saturday. Minehead made an aggressive start and their efforts were soon rewarded with Steve Hawkins smashing the ball into the back of the net.

Shortly after Steve Hawkins fell to the ground having torn his calf muscle and sadly had to hobble off the pitch in agony.

Chard had several young players who tried to tire Minehead out with their youthful exuberance but Minehead held their composure and the first half finished 1-0 in their favour.

The second half was very similar to the first. Chard managed to score with a very fast accurate ball from a short corner. The game finished up 1-1 draw which reflected the two very well matched performances.