West Women’s Hockey League Berkeley Division One

Lydney II 5-1 Badminton and Pucklechurch

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THERE was a successful end to the season for all of Lydney Hockey Club’s senior sides.

The last game at home on Saturday (March 30) saw the seconds comprehensively defeat Badminton and Pucklechurch, while the thirds secured promotion to Berkeley Two with a 5-2 win at Wick.

The firsts – who missed out on promotion to the National League by a point this season – made it a clean sweep with a 2-1 win at Taunton.

Lydney, cheered on by their ever-dedicated supporters, dominated the visitors to Freedom Leisure from the start.

Annie Lord and Anna Hamilton built up the right and there were a number of attacking penalty corners and near misses.

The first goal came midway through the first half with a flick by captain Cindy Jones skimming the sticks of several defenders before passing the keeper.

Lydney were soon back in the D with brilliant transferring in midfield by Katie Kearsey and unstoppable driving play up the left by Sara Sleeman

With umpire Marcus Jones playing advantage, the ball passed across the goal mouth with both Sophie Richards and Cindy Jones diving to steer it into the net.

Lydney extended their lead to three with Richards making the goal her own.

At the other end, solid defence by Hannah Williams, Taylor Jeffs and Rachel Vaughan, guided by keeper Emma Kear, provided a secure safety net.

Excellent channelling and block tackles by the defence were supported by the pivotal Caitlin Miller who constantly fed the ball back to the attack to keep up the pressure.

Lydney’s fourth goal came when Lauren Bennett used her speed and agility to drive the ball into the D before sending an excellent cross to Richards who did not give the visiting keeper time to react.

Another trademark finish earned her a hat-trick and well-deserved man of the match award.

The visitors secured a consolation goal in the dying minutes, careering forward after eventually finding a break and forcing a short corner.

Kear made an excellent save, but the ball found its way back to a Badminton player and, on the second attempt and following some uncertainty as to where the ball was hit from, the visitors gained a late and slightly controversial goal.

The goal was a reward for the work and determination of the visitors.

The development of Lydney’s youth section continues to go from strength to strength with the mixed under-14 side undefeated this season.

The academy section has exciting plans with the aim of entering regular competitions at U8, U10 and U12 levels.

The new season starts in September but there will be summer leagues. New members are welcome.

See the club’s Facebook page for details.