Verde Recreo Men’s Hockey League

Southern 1

Taunton Vale A 4, Sidmouth & Ottery 2

TAUNTON Vale A secured the league title with victory over Sidmouth & Ottery in a top-of-the-table clash on Saturday.

A very well balanced first half saw both teams unable to convert opportunities, but Sidmouth drew first blood taking the lead midway through the half.

Vale were quick to react with some short sharp passing and levelled the scores through Elliot Foweraker.

However, just before the end of the half, Sidmouth were able to find the back of the net putting them 2-1 up at half-time.

Both teams were playing some great hockey and Vale managed to level the score again through Foweraker on the reverse.

The game became very open with end to end attacks and the vital next goal was scored by Jonty Lawford, putting his goals tally for this season into double figures.

The final goal came from a rebound off a short corner calmly put into the back of the net by Andy Stevenson.

Taunton Vale would like to thank the umpires Mark Lecompte and James Dakin for their and time and a well officiated game.

Man of the Match: Steven Rybaruk

South East 2

Taunton Vale D 2, Sidmouth & Ottery C 1

VALE 5s ended their season on a high note with a merited, if slightly laboured, 2-1 victory over bottom of the table Sidmouth and Ottery C.

Vale started positively, quickly finding success in opening Sidmouth’s defence.

However, the early promise of a lucrative afternoon for Vale’s forwards did not come to fruition as they proved uncharacteristically wasteful in front of goal.

Vale’s leading goal scorer James Waterman was guilty of missing two gilt-edged chances before finally putting Vale in front with a sharply taken volley.

Vale continued to dominate in the second half but interludes of attacking pressure by Sidmouth kept the home defence on its toes.

Vale’s lead did not look comfortable until their second goal.

Edd Waterman gifted the ball to Mark Davenport to bundle over the line from close range, much to the rapture of the home supporters.

Sidmouth persevered and pulled one back with 10 minutes to go, but Vale stood firm to deny any chance of an equaliser.

Thanks to umpires, Paul and George, for their excellent officiating of the match.

The result caps off a fantastic season for the Vikings, as they finish fourth in the division with 43 points.

South East 3

Bridgwater D 2, Taunton Vale E 3

VALE’S men’s 6ths capped off an impressive inaugural season with a battling victory away at Bridgwater.

The hosts were the better team in the early exchanges and deservedly took the lead, but Vale scrapped and got back into the game though Roland Zwarteveens short corner.

After the break, Dan Lowe’s quick reactions gave Vale a lead which was stretched by a cheeky nutmeg from Zwarteveen.

A late consolation didn’t spoil Vale’s day and they finish 16 points clear at the top.

VALE’S men’s 1sts secured second place in the Championship with a 3-0 win at Clifton Robinsons A in their final match of the season on Saturday.

Vale B finished ninth in Central 1 after they were beaten 6-1 at Mid Somerset to round off their campaign on a disappointing note.

Taunton Civil Service men’s 1sts have long been safe in second spot in South East 1 and finished a successful season by beating Tiverton 5-2 on Saturday.

Civil Service A won 8-1 at Teign A and finish in third spot in South East 2.

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Taunton Vale Ladies’ 1sts lost on Saturday and Sunday last weekend and round off their Premier 1 campaign at home to Lydney on Saturday.

Vale 2nds earned a vital 3-1 win at home to Plymouth Marjon in South Division and head to Caradon on Saturday.

Vale 5ths thumped ECVH 2nds 7-1 in Sedgemoor 2, while the 6ths climbed off the bottom with a 1-0 win at Weston-super-Mare 3rds.

Both finish their seasons on Saturday, with the 5ths at Minehead 2nds and the 6ths hosting Bridgwater 2nds.

Taunton Civil Service Ladies’ 1sts lost 1-0 at fellow mid-table outfit Mendip in Central Division - Civil host Firebrands 3rds on Saturday.

Civil Service 2nds were beaten 6-1 at home to Weston-super-Mare 2nds in Sedgemoor 2 - they round off their season at Weston 3rds on Saturday.

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Sedgemoor Division 2

Winscombe 4 6, Minehead 2nds 3

MINEHEAD Ladies’ 2nd team had a tricky game away at Winscombe on Saturday.

Playing with confidence, the hosts had a couple shots on target with keeper El Kaye kicking away their efforts.

They went on to score the first goal within the first ten minutes.

Minehead kept their heads with some quick work in midfield by Fenella Buller to set up a cross into the D for Georgia Perkins to equalise.

The defence made up of Tracey Bailey, Di Hobbs and Maya Leworthy worked tirelessly to keep the home team from scoring.

After the break, the home team came out focussed and determined, scoring within minutes.

Minehead were quick to respond as a short corner pushed in by Briony Smith was met by Perkins.

She passed to Amy Ahern who quickly passed it on to Amelia Swallow to score Minehead’s second.

The home team scored twice in quick succession to make it 5-2.

A long ball from Hobbs was picked up by Smith and pushed on to Zara Coulson who volleyed home for Minehead’s third but the hosts retaliated just before the end.

POM: Maya Leworthy and Diana Hobbs; Team: Eleanor Kaye, Tracey Bailey, Maya Leworthy, Diana Hobbs, Briony Smith, Fenella Buller, Jo Elliott, Amy Ahern, Amelia Swallow, Georgia Perkins and Zara Coulson; Sponsor: The White Horse, Washford.

MINEHEAD Ladies’ 1sts all but sealed the Sedgemoor 1 title with a 4-0 win over Chard.

Minehead can make sure with victory at Winscombe in their season finale this Saturday.

In the same division, Taunton Vale 3rds won 2-1 at Burnham-on-Sea and the 4ths lost 4-2 at Winscombe 4ths.

On Saturday, the 3rds host White Eagles and the 4ths travel to Mid Somerset.