Hockey
Bretforton are the early pace-setters

Firebrands Ladies 3rds 1 Bretforton Ladies 1

West Clubs Women's Hockey League North Division

BRETFORTON LADIES were frustrated that their first fixture in many years against Bristol outfit Firebrands did not end in victory, but they sit top of the table with seven points from three games.

It took Bret time to settle on a newly-laid pitch and it was Sue Headington who began to read the tricky conditions first as her ability to slip controlled passes through to Emma Lowe in the first half was at times brilliant.

The Vale girls went ahead in the first half with a great team goal when Lisa Workman's free hit found Hayley Whitehouse who then slipped a beautiful pass across the D for Sarah Hall to slot the ball home.

Unfortunately, however, it did not take Firebrands long to equalise as a dubious short corner decision resulted in them seeing their shot on goal take a wicked deflection off a Bret stick and loop up and over everyone into the net.

Bret continued to press forward though and Liz Murray-White continually caused the home side problems with her surging runs down the flank.

Firebrands found the Bretforton defence impossible to breach, with captain Kate Mitchell and Sarah Cook in brilliant form in snuffing out the Bristol side's attacks with comparative ease.

It was player of the match Daisy Wheeler whose great link-up play with Karen Porter and steely determination in defence that really stood out in this game though.

Bret were awarded a short corner in the very last play of the game which they were unable to convert and they had to settle for a draw.

The match ball for this game was kindly sponsored by Cotswold Chemicals and Lubricants.

Tomorrow's game is at home at Evesham High School at 10.30am against Bristol-based BAC and all supporters would be extremely welcome.

The Plonker of the match was keeper Vicky Watkins (harshly stitched up!).

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