Hockey Clifton Robinsons edged out by Holcombe in Premier clash
AN exciting Premier Division match ended in a 3-2 victory for Holcombe against Clifton Robinsons at Coombe Dingle.
Holcombe managed to hold out in the dying minutes to thwart the home side and gain a thrilling victory over a determined Clifton Robinsons. This result could have a big say in the race for a play-off place later in the season.
Ashley Mainwaring gave Clifton Robinsons the lead following a penalty corner after just six minutes.
Holcombe slowly wrestled control of the game away from the hosts and equalised in the 22nd minute through Agueda Moroni Melgarejo. Four minutes later, Olivia Wilde delivered a superb left-wing through ball for Beth Bingham to slot home and give Holcombe a 2-1 interval lead.
The visitors went further aheadafter the break through Lorna-Jane Cruikshank, who capitalised on a home defensive lapse. Clifton Robinsons responded well to this set back and a Kathryn Lane goal reduced the deficit to set up a tense finale.
Clifton Robinsons had chances to get at least a point but there was no further scoring. The closest the local side came to equalising was when Claire Thomas saw her shot saved by the goalkeeper.
Holcombe moved up to sixth, with Clifton Robinsons in seventh, with both sides on six points from four games.
On Saturday, Clifton Robinsons travel to face fifth-placed Buckingham, who are on seven points but having played a game more.
In Conference West, Clifton Robinsons 2nds were left without a game when restrictions imposed by the authorities at Oxford University prevented their game from being played. Basingstoke provide the next opposition on Sunday.
In the same division, Firebrands were denied a victory when Basingstoke grabbed an equaliser with just two minutes left.
The home side took the lead shortly before the interval, only for Amy Homitzkyz to level the scores on the stroke of half-time. Homitzkyz scored her second to give Firebrands the lead with seven minutes remaining.
Firebrands host Oxford University at Failand on Sunday.
University of Bristol men’s team are on maximum points after four games following a 2-1 victory against Ashmoor.
The local side, who trailed at the break, equalised early in the second half through Christopher White. The decisive goal came in the 59th minute when Josh Hallett converted a penalty stroke.
Harborne are the next side to attempt to spoil the university’s unbeaten start when they visit Coombe Dingle on Saturday
Westbury/Utd Banks completed their pre-league warm-up games with a series of matches against neighbours Old Bristolians.
In the first-team game, goals from Ollie Auty and Harry Dell earned Westbury/Utd Banks a 2-0 win.
Osian Rees and Dheeran Canagarajah scored in a 2-1 for the 2nds, while Westbury/Utd Banks 3rds went down 3-0 against Old Bristolians B.
A Marc Funnell goal helped the
Wanderers to a 1-1 draw against Old Bristolians C. The Wizards lost 2-0 against Old Bristolians D but the Warriors drew 1-1 against Old Bristolians E. Chris Szpojnarowicz scored for Westbury/Utd Banks.
Jay Hunt goal scored for
Westbury/Utd Banks Under-16s
in a 5-1 defeat against Wotton-underEdge in the Bristol Badgers League.
At the recent Avon County Women’s Hockey Umpires AGM, held via Zoom, Paul Westgate who, along with a few others, was instrumental in setting up the Avon Junior Hockey League 16 years ago, was a worthy recipient of the prestigious Richard Powell Memorial Award.
The league created the opportunity for young players, who were not considered to be elite players, to experience competitive hockey games. It has now expanded to include teams from Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire and involves teams in a number of different age groups for boys and girls. As well as providing opportunities for youngsters to play hockey, he has also promoted the league as
the perfect setting for young umpires to develop. As well as being involved with all the organisation of the above, he always finds time to umpire himself for local schools and sides, with Nailsea being his nearest club. He was presented with his award on Sunday
by Justine Nicklin, ACWHUA chairman, following the girls under-16 plate final at Yate Outdoor Sports complex between City of Bath and Old Bristolians. Carolyn Britton continues as the association’s secretary, with Bob Pearce continuing as treasurer.