Leaders held in fightback

Despite it being a fallow week for most of the West Area divisions, the Men’s Hockey League and Vitality Women’s League continued apace, with six games of the season remaining for the majority.

Team Bath Buccaneers’ women played a double header that resulted it two 2-2 against the two top teams in Conference West. Buccs first held leaders Witney on Saturday after fighting back twice to secure a point, before frustrating Exe in Sunday’s sole game, again drawing 2-2 to deny their hosts the chance to move top of the table. Despite being fifth, Buccs are only three points off Witney in what is turning into a titanic championship battle.

As for the men, they also had a part to play in the title race this week as they beat Division One south leaders Reading 4-2. Adam Dixon netted a hat-trick as Buccs sit third, five points behind the leaders.

It proved a popular scoreline as

Buccs 6th men also played out a 2-2 draw in Concorde Division One in the West Area league. They hosted North Somerset 2nd and the point sees them move up to fourth and go four points off third-place Old Bristolians 3rd with a game in hand.

There was a flurry of action in the women’s Division Two East where leaders Buccs 3rd beat second bottom Frome 4-1. They remain seven points ahead of second place Marlborough after they beat Corsham 3-0, leaving Corsham with four consecutive losses in seventh.

Buccs 5th had a very good day at the office as they thrashed Whitehorse Division Two second-bottom Chippenham 4th 7-0. It’s a fourth successive success for Buccs who move to within two points of second-place Devizes 2nd and five off leaders North Wilts 2nd.

Buccs 4th were also in action as they travelled to Mendip 2nd for a friendly and came away 5-1 winners.