Ladies' 1st XI hockey team picks up three much needed points (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Ladies' 1st XI hockey team picks up three much needed points

REQUIRING all three points to get off the bottom of the league table, Cirencester Ladies found the right form to do exactly that on Saturday against a useful opposition from Bristol.

The first half was eagerly fought by both sides, with both teams looking to score. Town conceded a few penalty corners, yet their focused defence kept Yate from scoring.

Town sweeper Helen Pauling ensured that players marked tightly and controlled the game from the back while Elaine Noone and Jackie Carrick gave Yate enough difficulties in attacking through the midfield.

The visitors narrowly missed scoring and it was fortunate that Cirencester newcomer Sarah Harvey remained calm to cleared away the ball from goal.

Bryony Oliff-Lee made consistent attacks on the opposition's defence from the midfield and was duly rewarded by scoring the first goal for the Town hosts from a penalty corner in the second half.

Ten minutes later, Cirencester were again attacking with ease and speed, which resulted in a shot on goal from Georgie Archer.

The ball was drifting wide of the net, until Sarah Thomas intervened with an outstanding dive to ensure a goal.

Yate, keen not to leave the score as it stood, were fortunate to gain a lucky goal to make it 1-2.

But that was all that home team were going to give away.