HOCKEY: Taunton Vale lose to Plymouth Marjon in Premiership opener

TAUNTON Vale men’s 1sts’ first game back in the Premiership took them to Plymouth, to test themselves against one of the favourites for the league title.

Vale started the game superbly, dominating possession and applying real pressure for the first 20 minutes.

With the visitors banging on the door, debutant Chris Way came inches away from scoring twice from short corners.

But on the second occasion, Plymouth restarted the game quickly and caught Vale with a lightening fast counter, which resulted in a penalty flick that was converted.

That goal changed the face of the game, as the hosts picked up the pace to make it 3-0 at half-time.

Vale regained their composure and began the second half well, pulling a goal back as Karl Trunks emphatically dispatched a penalty stroke after a Toby Power deflection hit the defender on the line.

The away side continued to push on, but the hosts scored a sucker-punch fourth goal.

Buoyed by their overall performance, Vale welcome Plymouth University to Gipsy Lane on Saturday (6.30pm).

Man of the match: Freddie Stevens

Vale A opened their Conference South season with a 3-3 draw at home to University of Exeter D, while the 3rd XI were unfortunate to lose 2-1 at home to Chippenham A.

Kieran Peter put the hosts ahead, only for Chippenham to hit back in the second half.

Elsewhere, Vale C hammered Keynsham A 8-1 away from home, and Vale D lost 4-2 against ECV Hornets B.

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TAUNTON Vale ladies 1st XI secured their second successive 1-0 win in Premier Division 1 of the West Clubs Women’s League, this time at home to Teign.

Vale 2nds won 1-0 at neighbouring Taunton Civil Service, while the 3rds beat White Eagles 2nds 3-1, the 4th XI lost 5-0 at ECVH, and the 5ths eased to a 5-0 victory at Minehead 2nds.

Civil Service’s ladies 2nds triumphed 5-0 at Bridgwater 3rds; CS men’s 1sts won their opener 2-1 at Plymouth Marjon C, and their 2nds lost 7-2 against Sidmouth & Ottery B.