Having picked up seven points in the preceding three games, Cirencester’s 1st XI hosted Cardiff & Met C at Deer Park.

Despite the difficult wet conditions, Cirencester dominated possession playing flowing attacking hockey but we unable to convert any of the pressure into goals.

Having soaked up Cirencester’s attacking Cardiff gradually grew in confidence and with two quick goals found themselves 2-0 ahead at half time.

The second-half saw the visiting Welsh side continue to press with well-placed aerial passes leaving Cirencester’s back four exposed. The host side conceded two further goals before finally starting to press their opponents.

Numerous shots were parried by the keeper, including two reaction saves. Rob Carmichael finally slotted the ball home but it provided a scant consolation as his side lost 4-1.

Cirencester’s 3rd XI hosted the club’s second XI in a much-anticipated repeat of the fixture that ended in a 4-4 draw earlier in the season.

Despite bossing the midfield, the 3rd team’s spritely attackers marshalled by Ed Hastie-Smith and Tom Jeffries created chances.

A collision with keeper Dave Webb ended Jeffries’ game but despite this first blood was drawn by the 3rd team after Hastie-Smith slipped a ball to Julian Shirnia who made no mistake.

The 2nd team pushed hard but Luke Tappin was imperious in goal making save after save until with ten minutes to go a pumped-up Will Harrison nipped past two defenders and slapped the ball home for a well-deserved share of the spoils.

The 4th XI visited Ross-on-Wye but failed to make the most of their numerical advantage being 2-1 down at half time.

Two further Ross goals in the second half saw off Cirencester 4-1.