North Somerset Gryphons 2nds 2 Nailsea 3

North Somerset Gryphons made a determined attacking start, forcing a penalty corner two minutes in. Nailsea defended well clearing the threat decisively.

Strong work by Bernie Forge down the right gave Nailsea some breakthrough chances in the NSG D, but it was Bernie herself who picked up a quick one-two and with a stunning reverse stick volley, beat the keeper to take the lead on the 15 minute mark.

Both sides had opportunities but defences and keepers stayed solid. A big push by NSG towards the end of the first half saw Nailsea having to defend a couple of penalty corners, a great clearance saw the ball overturned and a rush on the home side goal with a couple of shots before Georgina (Gee) Corner managed to touch the ball over the line, giving Nailsea a 2-0 lead at the turnaround.

NSG started the half quickly and seemed to catch Nailsea unaware. A few errors from Nailsea and a great shot from NSG and the arrears were shortened.

Nailsea regained some composure and with the tireless determination of player of the match, Hannah Lacey, managed to put enough pressure on the defence to force a penalty corner. A stinging shot from the top of the D by Cath Hole produced an amazing stop from the advancing defender to turn the ball over and once again they were under attack and with 10 minutes left NSG levelled the score.

Nailsea responded with a flurry of attacking, several shots from Lois Pinkney and Gee and passes from Bernie and Cath were all either wide or deflected, until, from the edge of the D Gee slammed in her second goal to give Nailsea the lead and the 3 points.

 

Nailsea 2nds 0 Old Bristolians 4ths 2

This game was played end to end throughout. Old Bristolians were a good side and strong, but Nailsea matched their play, did not let their heads go down and fought hard. Both sides had opportunities and Old Bs took theirs.

Nailsea defence, Helen Harrington, Ella Brierley and Truly Siskind-Wiess were strong and solid from the outset. Katie Matthews had an excellent game in goal making several good saves with some great kicking clearances.

The first penalty corner of the match came on the half hour and against Nailsea, which they dealt with effectively, but with a minute of the half left to go Old Bs grabbed the lead.

The visitors came out strongly putting the Nailsea defence under pressure with a series of penalty corners. Player of the match Helen Harrington marshalled the defence well and Katie cleared her line confidently to ride out the danger.

The midfield worked hard to maintain control while helping the defence and also pushing into attack. Good passing and a determined effort from everyone while endeavouring to put into practise training drills, which encouragingly show week by week improvement.  

With 10 minutes left Old Bs grabbed a second goal and despite a rush of attacking, Nailsea were unable to reduce the arrears and instead found themselves having to see out the match with a penalty corner, which they dealt with cleanly once again.