Hockey playing ladies miss out on place in Glo'shire Clubs final (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Hockey playing ladies miss out on place in Glo'shire Clubs final

CIRENCESTER Ladies 2nd XI gave it their best shot but just failed to reach the final of the annual Gloucestershire Clubs' hockey tournament held at Dean Close School on Saturday. It was, though, a rather disorganised Town team which took to the pitch for the first game in their half of the draw.

Unfortunately, they did not pull themselves together until after Badgers had scored the only goal of the match.

Happily, Cirencester's next two games against Stroud and Newent saw them return to better form as they won both of them by two goals to nil.

Sarah Ryan and Caroline McKemey did the honours against Stroud while Louisa Pettit and Matilda Granville were the scorers against Newent.

Both games were hard fought and Town's defence played well as a unit to keep the ball out of their net.

Cirencester, carrying a squad of 14, made several changes in personnel and positions for the fourth encounter that was to see them lose shape and style.

And so a 0-0 draw against East Glos left them needing to win their last game 2-1 to get through to the final.

Although they felt fired up for this clash against Lydney, the task proved one match too far.

For an immensely strong and fit side beat them 1-0 and so it was Lydney and not Town that ended up in the final against St Gregory's.

Nonetheless, after what has been a particularly enjoyable season,Cirencester Ladies 2nd XI are turning out in force for an end-of-season bash this Saturday.