Hockey playing ladies of Bourton win to stay at top of the table (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hockey playing ladies of Bourton win to stay at top of the table

A WELL contested game of hockey played by two equally matched rivals at Kingham Hill School on Saturday was deservedly won 1-0 by the ladies of Bourton who maintain their place at the top of the Severn League, Division Three table

However, before last weekend's fixture could even commence, a pile of leaves had to be cleared from the pitch.

From the first whistle, this encounter was played at a fast and furious pace.

The home side's defence were performing well, keeping Cirencester from scoring.

Deborah Smith intercepted on the 25 and ran the length of the pitch, but failed to beat the Town keeper who had a good, solid game.

Soon after, though, Jane Blackwell slotted the ball home to give Bourton the lead.

The visitors piled on the pressure and Lucy Woodley was forced to make a number of excellent saves in order to keep a clean sheet.

Unfortunately, the Bourton team were denied on more than one occasion in the second half and were unlucky not to score again.

However, two of the Bourton players were to receive warnings from the away umpire.

The first was given a green card for questioning a decision while the second was a warning to a younger player for stick tackling.

Both keepers played excellent games and Cirencester awarded player of the match to their young keeper, Lisa Robinson.

Next League game for the Bourton Ladies is at Stroud in just over a week's time, 12.30pm start.