Hockey round-up from Taunton Vale and Taunton Civil Service

TAUNTON Vale men’s 1st XI were relegated from the Premiership at the hands of promotion-chasing Plymouth Marjons on Sunday. 

Needing to win to have any chance of staying up, the hosts had the better of the initial exchanges, but a lapse in concentration led to a Plymouth goal. 

Vale responded well and levelled midway through the first half as Ross Hardwick set up Sam Young to score. 

But they went into half time 3-1 down having conceded two short corners.

A dreadful start to the first half saw Vale fall 5-1 behind and stare relegation in the face for the first time in 15 years.

The visitors scented blood and showed some clinical finishing, with Liam Pigden scoring a consolation goal.

It has been a difficult season for the team, which has lost a number of key players over the last two seasons. 

There is potential in their ranks, so they will look to rebuild this summer and come back stronger next season.

This coming Saturday they travel to mid-table Wotton-u-Edge (1.30pm start).

Conference South
Plymouth Marjon A 5, Taunton Vale A 0

THE 2nds travelled away to Plymouth to face league leaders Marjon A, who hold an unbeaten home record.

Both sides started brightly, and although the hosts netted from a penalty corner, it remained 1-0 at half time as Vale played some fine hockey.
Marjon made it 2-0 from a short corner, before a flurry of goals in the final 10 minutes. 

Man of the match: Ben Hembrow

Vale gave it their all, and they can still escape relegation – especially with a win on Saturday against third-bottom Tavistock (4.30pm).

Central 1
Taunton Vale B 3, Old Bristolians 4

THE 3rds were involved in a seven-goal thriller at home to Old Bristolians. 

Vale took the lead through a Colin Jewhurst reverse stick strike, but OBs were quickly level. 

Vale had several chances to retake the lead, and finally Steve Ryburak found Liam Elliott, who rounded the keeper to score, but it was 2-2 at half time.

Vale struggled against the high press and conceded a third goal, and although Richard Clements made some vital interceptions they fell 4-2 behind. 

Jonty Lawford provided a glimmer of hope as he coolly rounded the keeper to score, but Vale could not equalise.

Man of the match: Richard Clements

Other results in the league went Vale’s way, so they cannot be relegated; on Saturday they go to Bridgwater (2.15pm).

South East 1
East Devon A 10, Taunton Vale C 0

VALE men’s 4ths travelled to East Devon with a depleted squad owing to the club’s Over-50 commitments the following day. 

Five goals were conceded in the first half and another five in the second, leaving the visitors with a resounding 10-0 defeat. 

Midfielder Ed Howard was man of the match for his determination and good all-round play, while Andy Criddle made a string of good saves, and James Dakin and Tom Holloway fought hard at the back.

This Saturday eighth-placed Vale host ECV Hornets A, who are third (1.30pm).

South East 2
Chard B 2, Taunton Vale D 1

THE 5th XI travelled to Chard 3rds in the knowledge that a victory would all but guarantee their survival in the South East 2 division. 

The game started sluggishly, and did not show much sign of improvement for the opening 20 minutes. 

But a debut league goal by Mark James saw the visitors take the lead, somewhat against the run of play. 

Chard B equalised shortly after, though, ensuring the scores were even at half time.

The game was markedly improved in the second half, but Chard scored what proved to be the winning goal from a short corner. 

Vale rallied towards the end in the hope of earning a draw, but were unable to create sufficient opportunities.

Vale host Bridgwater 3rds on Saturday (3pm) – another opportunity to secure their league safety.

TAUNTON Vale ladies 1st XI remain in the hunt for a top-half finish in Premier Division 1, thanks to Karen Turnbull’s goal in a 1-0 win at home to Plymouth Marjon, the side directly below them.

Vale are in seventh spot, two points off sixth, with an away trip to ninth-placed Isca 2nds this Saturday (1.30pm).

In the Central Division, Vale 3rds stay bottom of the table after a 4-1 loss at home to Bridgwater, the visitors scoring twice in each half.

Four points off safety, Vale go to fellow strugglers Taw Valley on Saturday (11.30am).

The ladies 2nds remain in danger in the South Division, following a 7-0 thumping by Plymouth Marjon 2nds.

Vale are three points clear of second-bottom Okehampton, who visit Gipsy Lane for a crunch match this Saturday (11.30am).

Vale then host third-placed Tavistock on Sunday (11am).

In Sedgemoor Division 1, Vale 4ths were dragged right into the relegation dogfight as they lost 3-1 at fellow strugglers Sidmouth & Ottery 2nds.

One of four teams within a point of each other at the wrong end of the table, Vale host promotion-chasing Minehead on Saturday (10am).

The 5th XI also lost 3-1 away, against Bridgwater 2nds in Sedgemoor Division 2.

That leaves them ninth in the table, ahead of this Saturday’s match at home to champions Chard (10.30am).

GOALS from Izzy Williams (2), Imogen Hughes (2), Gee Woodgate-Jones and Danni Gearing gave Taunton Civil Service ladies victory in their top-of-the-table clash with Minehead on Saturday.

The hosts won 6-4 to take a six-point lead at the top of Sedgemoor Division 1 with three games left.

They travel to second-bottom Winscombe 2nds this Saturday (10am).

The ladies 2nds suffered away to Sedgemoor 2 champions Chard, losing 11-0.

On Saturday CS host Taw Valley 2nds (1.30pm).

The men’s 1sts remain in the thick of the relegation battle in Central 2 despite a 5-1 loss at Bristol & West A.

Level on points with third-bottom Marlborough A, they entertain Team Bath Buccs E on Saturday (noon).

The men’s 2nd XI beat Chard A 4-1, thanks to a hat-trick from Simon Jones.

They go to Yeovil and Sh. B this Saturday (2.30pm).