GoCrea8 Premiership
Bristol University 6, Taunton Vale 0

VALE men’s 1sts travelled to Bristol University for an evening game under the lights and fireworks.

They knew they faced an organised and fit team, as the students were in the regional division above last season.

Vale started slowly, allowing Bristol to create chances, and it wasn’t long before they found the goal they deserved.

Bristol looked sharp and, after 25 minutes, were 3-0 up.

In trying to stretch the home side, Vale left holes in their defence, and it was 4-0 at the break.

A few tactical changes enabled Vale to start the second half much better, minimising the hosts’ chances.

Vale kept it at 4-0 until the 56th minute, when Bristol stroked the ball home from a well worked short corner.

Finally, Vale began to play better hockey but the home defence held strong, and a counter-attack led to a penalty flick and 6-0.

Man of the match: Martin Johnson

Vale have an important double header this weekend, hosting Cardiff Met A on Friday (8pm start) and going to Team Bath Buccs A on Sunday (12.30pm).

All are welcome to come and support under the lights on Friday night.

Conference South
Taunton Vale A 1, Exeter University C 5

VALE 2nds continue their search for their first points of the season after a disappointing result on Saturday.

The first 20 minutes of the match were relatively even, though Exeter created the better chances.

Vale did keep the ball for periods but were unable to threaten the students, and two goals in quick succession meant Exeter went into the break 2-0 up.

In the second half, Vale sought a route back into it but succumbed to further pressure and conceded three more.

In the final 10 minutes, Vale played some of their best hockey and were awarded with a string of penalty corners and Steven Rybaruk’s consolation.

Man of the match: Matt Upham

This Saturday, Vale are away to fifth-placed PGSOB (12.30pm).

Central 1
Taunton Vale B 2, Mid Somerset 9

THE men’s 3rds slumped to a seven-goal defeat against promotion-chasing Mid Somerset on Saturday.

After conceding two early goals, Vale pulled one back through a Charlie Axon penalty corner, but the visitors scored three more before half time.

Vale played better after the break but conceded another four, before Tom Russell netted from a penalty corner.

Third-bottom Vale travel to Team Bath Buccs D, who are sixth, this coming Saturday (3.30pm).

South East 1
Yeovil & Sherborne 2s 8, Taunton Vale C 0

VALE 4ths went to Yeovil & Sherborne 2nds looking to maintain their good form, but were 7-0 down by the break.

The second half was much better as Vale kept Yeovil to just the one goal, largely down to excellent performances from Tom Holloway and Tom Howard.

On Saturday they are at home to Isca D (1.30pm).

South East 2
Taunton Vale D 1, Minehead B 2

THE 5th XI put in a spirited performance and dominated the opening 20 minutes at home to Minehead 3rds.

However, they missed several chances and went in at half-time at 0-0.

Minehead came flying out for the second half, scoring two breakaway goals in close succession.

Jon Pike grabbed a consolation goal for Vale, from a penalty flick with the final touch of the match.

Men of the match: Jon Pike and Arvid Sabel

This Saturday, second-bottom Vale are at third-placed Chard A (2pm).

***

TAUNTON Vale ladies 1sts moved up to eighth spot in Premier Division 1 with a 2-0 win at home to Yate on Saturday – Anna Hardy scoring both goals.

Vale 2nds drew 2-2 at Tavistock in the South Division, while the 3rds lost 2-0 at home to Winscombe in the Central Division.

In Sedgemoor 1, the ladies 4ths won 1-0 at Weston-super-Mare 2nds to sit sixth in the standings. 

Weston mounted plenty of attacks, but Vale held firm thanks to outstanding performances by sweeper Bron Seeger, goalscorer Becs McDonagh and player of the match Alice Murray-Gourlay.

Talia Bird and Sophie Walker played with flair up front as part of their developing striking partnership.

Vale 5ths are ninth in Sedgemoor 2 after losing 3-1 at Minehead 2nds.

Saturday fixtures
Plymouth Marjon v Vale (11.30am)
Vale 2nds v Plymouth Marjon 2nds (11.30am)
Bridgwater v Vale 3rds (10.30am)
Vale 4ths v Sidmouth & Ottery 2nds (3pm)
Vale 5ths v Bridgwater 2nds (10am)

***

TAUNTON Civil Service men’s 1sts were unable to follow up their first win of the season two weekends ago, as they lost 4-2 at home to third-placed Chippenham A in Central 2 on Saturday.

They fell 2-0 behind, but hit back with goals from Simon Jones and Toron Everett.

They thought they had the lead midway through the second half, only for the umpire to give a short corner as the ball crossed the line.

Chippenham took full advantage and scored twice more to win the game.

CS stay bottom of the table, but are level on points with two other teams, one of whom – Westbury and UB B – they go to on Saturday (2pm).

The men’s 2nds went to Sidmouth & Ottery B, and won 5-1 to sit sixth in South East 2.

Mark Sawyer hit a hat-trick and Andy Carter a brace to secure the victory for CS, who host leaders East Devon C this Saturday (1.30pm).

***

TAUNTON Civil Service ladies 1sts returned from the half-term break with a 7-2 win against Yeovil & Sherborne 2nds on Saturday.

The free-scoring Tash Hole claimed a hat-trick, with Izzy Williams (2), Helena Patton and Millie Bartlett also netting to keep CS on top of Sedgemoor Division 1.

This Saturday they travel to second-placed Minehead (10.30am).

The ladies 2nds came away from Bridgwater 2nds with a 1-1 draw in Sedgemoor 2.

Holly Hands scored their goal, and they host leaders Chard on Saturday (noon).