GoCrea8 Men’s League
Premiership
Firebrands 4, Taunton Vale 0

ALREADY relegated, Taunton Vale men’s 1sts’ final match of the season was away at Bristol-based Firebrands. 

Due to player unavailability and injuries, they travelled with a weakened XI and put in a spirited performance. 

Next season they will look to rebuild in the Championship.

Conference South
Taunton Vale A 2, Shepton Mallet 10

THE 2nd XI also fielded a weakened bare 11 at home to Shepton Mallet. 

The visitors ran out convincing 10-2 winners, with Vale’s goals scored by Liam Elliott and Harry Stephenson. 

Vale finish second from bottom in Conference South, so are relegated.

Given that they lost their first 11 games and did not win until February, results over last few weeks should bring encouragement for next year.

Central 1
Taunton Vale B 2, City of Bath A 0

VALE 3rds finished their season with a two-goal victory against City of Bath. 

The hosts started brightly, intercepting possession and finding Harry Riste, who finished with aplomb. 

Vale were indebted to keeper Martin Lawrence, kept busy from a number of short corners, but they doubled their lead through Riste before half time.

After the break, Vale’s midfield trio of James Hebditch, Jonathan Jackson and David Eaton Jones worked tirelessly as the hosts saw out the win

The 3rd XI have maintained their league status by finishing eighth, and now look forward to a possible inter-club derby next year against Vale A.

Man of the match: James Hebditch and David Eaton Jones

South East 1
Tiverton 7, Taunton Vale C 0

VALE’S 4th XI travelled to Tiverton, looking to end on a high. 

After a period of decent play in the first 10 minutes, the visitors succumbed to a Tiverton short corner and the hosts powered to a half-time lead of 4-0. 

Vale performed better in the second half but still shipped three more goals. 

Notable performances came from Andy Criddle in goal and Jerry Osborne in defence.

In a season of ups and downs, Vale C ended up safe in eighth position.

South East 2
Taunton Vale D 4, Sidmouth & Ottery C 2

A MUCH improved second-half performance saw the Vikings take three points against Sidmouth & Ottery in their final game of the season. 

The visitors led 2-0 at the break, but the hosts’ tactical switches brought instant dividends as they levelled though goals by Jon Pike and Mark James. 

Vale pushed home their advantage with two more goals, from Edd Waterman and James Waterman, to win.

The Vikings finished the season in ninth place, five clear of the drop.

VALE sent a mixed team squad to the County Cup finals, but their bare 11 struggled against bigger squads.

They lost 5-1 to Firebrands, 4-0 to eventual winners Yeovil & Sherborne, and 6-0 to Shepton Mallet.

TAUNTON Vale are running a men’s and ladies competitive summer league from mid to late April until June/July. 

Anyone is welcome to play, and they can sign up to play for a Vale side at www.tauntonhockey.co.uk.

TAUNTON Vale Women’s Masters Over-35s have made it through to the finals of the England Hockey Women’s Masters Tier 2 Hockey Cup. 

Along the way, they have recorded victories over teams from Yeovil and Sherborne, Oxford Hawks and the Army. 

In the semi-finals against Sutton Coldfield on Sunday, which was their first home match of the campaign, Taunton Vale claimed an exciting 4-3 victory. 

The visitors fielded a strong side including ex-Olympian Lisa Prince, and each time Vale took the lead – through Sally Pitkin, Anna Hardy and Karen Turnbull – Sutton pegged them back. 

Finally Vale went ahead shortly before full time and held on, soaking up the Sutton pressure, to reach the finals which take place at the end of April.