MINEHEAD and West Somerset’s Ladies hockey team faced North Devon 1s on the first weekend of the League season, coming away with a closely fought 4-1 loss.

North Devon had a strong attacking game, and Minehead’s defence worked hard to stop them in their tracks. However, the Devon side led 2-0 at the interval.

During the second half, strong runs from Cape put pressure on North Devon’s defence as well as Chilcott and Rucklidge dribbling through the midfield. A quick run from Tisshaw awarded Minehead a well-deserved goal at the end. After a tough match and a bunch of great saves by Weetch, the Woodwork Machinery Services Player of the Match went to Amy Tisshaw.

Minehead Men 3rds faced a ten-man Bristol and West side which they hoped would ease them into the season..

Soon into the game Minehead made use of the extra man and picking up where they left off last season keeping the hockey simple and passing through the team. Within five minutes, Simon Strong, put Minehead 1-0 up living his dream of being a forward. Two minutes after Will Reed followed up making it 2-0. Ten minutes later, after most of the play in the opposition’s 25, Jack Lancaster made it three and Reed, put another in to make the score at half time 4-0.

The second half was little more challenging, some complacency from Minehead resulted in Goalkeeper Steve Clapp getting some play time. As the second half progressed it was clear Bristol were weary and play was back into their ‘D’ with Jack Lancaster and Lawrence Taylor adding two further goals. With a few minutes to spare, Ash “The Smash” Tisshaw made the pilgrimage from defence to attack with the signature hit right through the keeper’s pads for 7-0.

Minehead firsts made the trip to face Chard 2’s also in a restructured League format looking to continue last season’s good form, having narrowly missed out on promotion.

The off season has seen the departure of a few important players, but with a couple of fresh faces, and not-so-fresh, returning ones morale was high.

The game opened in a scrappy style indicative of early season hockey, and Minehead struggled to piece any meaningful hockey together. Chard 2s, however, leapt on early chances, putting themselves 1-0 up and very nearly 2 but for a poor piece of decision making by a striker.

Minehead continued to push for a goal, which John Clegg finally found, nudging a Nick Jones shot across the line. Half time saw the scored 1 apiece and gave Minehead a chance to regroup hopefully with a few cobwebs blown away.

The half time team talk paid off, and returning veteran Sean Hardick was able to cooly slot home from the top of the D to put Minehead ahead. Soon after, a repeat of the first goal saw Clegg leap on a Jones shot and convert once more.

Minehead looked like they were back to last season’s hockey once more. Justice came soon for Nick Jones as he was able to find some space and claim a goal for himself. A final goal came for Claude Mahlich who converted from a well worked short corner to make it 5-1 and end a solid team performance.