Verde Recreo Men’s League
Championship
Cheltenham A 2, Taunton Vale 3

TAUNTON Vale men’s 1st XI travelled to Cheltenham on Saturday, hoping to set the tone for the season having been relegated the previous campaign.

The visitors started brightly and took the lead through captain Ross Hardwick, who picked up the ball at the top of the D and found the bottom corner.

Cheltenham struck back 10 minutes later, from a short corner, but Vale soon restored their lead when Ethan Williams finished from close range, following a reverse stick shot from Rob Dormer.

It was 3-1 when Angus Chapman finished well from close in after good work from Hardwick, only for the hosts to pull one back just before half time.

There were no further goals in the second half, with Vale managing the game and keeping possession for long periods, and Bayley Chantwin did well to smother the only major chance that fell to Cheltenham.

Man of the match: Ross Hardwick

Southern 1
Taunton Vale A 5, University of Exeter E 6

VALE A were unfortunate to come out on the wrong side of a 6-5 thriller against Exeter University.

The Vale account was opened by Steven Rybaruk, who calmly finished a reverse cross from Toby Power.

There was a brace for player/coach Elliot Foweraker, plus goals for Richard Clements and Harry Stephenson.

This was a fine performance from the whole team, who would like to thank the club umpires for making the game possible.

Man of the match: Elliot Foweraker

Central 1
Royal Wootton Bassett 4, Taunton Vale B 1

THE 3rd XI travelled to Royal Wootton Bassett with a new, youthful squad, but due to traffic delays arrived late, with minimum warm-up time.

Despite this, Vale defended well and looked dangerous on the break, but fell behind just before half time.

The visitors knew the next goal would be all important, but it was Bassett who got it, as Vale’s defence lapsed.

Vale pulled a goal back via an audacious lob from Kyle Wheaton, but the hosts stretched their lead with a volleyed finish and from a penalty corner just before full time.

Man of the match: Ed Peachey

South East 1
Taunton Vale C 0, Tiverton 3

VALE C began the season with a battling performance against Tiverton, but they lost 3-0.

Two goals in the first half and a third in the second was enough for the visitors, but there were positives for Vale to take.

South East 2
Taunton Vale D 2, Bridgwater C 3

THE men’s 5ths took on Bridgwater’s 4th XI in a hard-fought season opener.

Bridgwater took an early lead but Taunton soon found their rhythm, with Ross Smith equalising and then scoring a second to make it 2-1 at half time.

Bridgwater came back strongly in thee second half, with both teams having players carded, and they held on for a 3-2 win despite a spirited Vale surge towards the end of the game.

Man of the match: Rob Shaw

October 6 fixtures: Vale v City of Bath (noon); Torbay v Vale A (2pm); Vale B v Old Bristolians (3pm); Taunton CS v Vale C (noon); West Dorset A v Taunton Vale D (2pm); Ashmoor C v Taunton Vale E (5pm)

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TAUNTON Vale ladies 1st XI have endured a tough start to the West Clubs Women’s League season.

Vale have suffered defeat in their first two Premier Division 1 matches, a 3-1 home loss against Plymouth Marjon on Saturday following a 2-0 reverse at Clifton Robinsons 2nds the previous weekend.

This Saturday brings a tough away match against Team Bath Buccaneers 2nds (12.30pm start), who have won both games so far.

As for Vale ladies 2nds, they began their South Division campaign with a 2-2 draw at White Eagles.

They are at home this coming Saturday, with Penzance the visitors (1.30pm).

The remaining Vale ladies teams all played each other – the 3rds entertaining the 4ths in Sedgemoor Division 1, and the 5th and 6th teams meeting in Sedgemoor Division 2.

In both cases the result went with the club hierarchy, the 3rd XI winning 6-1 and the 5ths 4-0.

This coming Saturday, in Sedgemoor 1, Vale 3rds go to Minehead (10.30am) and the 4ths host Yeovil and Sherborne 2nds (10am).

In Sedgemoor 2, the 5ths entertain Weston-super-Mare 3rds (4.30pm) and the 6th XI are away to Weston-super-Mare 2nds (11.30am).

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TAUNTON Civil Service men’s 1st XI got their season up and running with a 1-0 home win over Minehead A on Saturday in Verde Recreo League South East 1.

There was also success for Civil Service A, who won 2-1 away to Isca E in South East 2.

This coming Saturday, CS host Taunton Vale C (noon), and the 2nd XI go to ECV Hornets B (3.30pm).

The Civil Service ladies 1sts, who won promotion last season, were well beaten in their West Clubs Women’s League Central Division opener.

Hosts Clifton Robinsons triumphed 4-0.

On Saturday, CS entertain Bridgwater (1.30pm), while the ladies 2nds – beaten at Minehead 2nds last weekend (see left) – are at Sidmouth & Ottery 2nds (10.30am).

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MINEHEAD ladies 1sts fought back from 3-1 down to draw away to Mid Somerset in Saturday.

Denise Lancaster pounced on a defensive mix-up to put them ahead, only for the hosts to storm back and go two goals ahead.

Vicky Perkins pulled one back, and debutant Rachel Heaney equalised with the last touch of the game.

Minehead ladies 2nd XI won 5-0 at Taunton Civil Service 2nds, with goals from Hannah Cornish, Ella Williams (2), Libi Todd and Kaylyn Porter.

This Saturday, both Minehead teams will be in league action at home.

The first team play Taunton Vale 3rds at 10.30am, and the 2nd XI play Taw Valley 2nds at noon.