England Hockey Cup
Okehampton 5, Bridgwater 2

THE men’s 1sts went away with a team that was not particularly representative of their regular team this year.

With Ben Stone and Mike Morrish stepping back in after their last cup game, Sam Sweatman and fifth team legend Steve Morrish made their first team debuts, and (nearly) 62-year-old Phil Morrish returned to the first team in only his fifth game of the season.

They started brightly and held on against a very strong Okehampton side for most of the first half but conceded two in the closing stages.

After some unfortunate goals were conceded, they found themselves 5-0 down only 10 minutes into the second half.

The key message was to enjoy the rest of the game and this really kicked Bridgwater on - thanks to a well worked short corner, Will Pope’s slide pass was delicately deflected home by Rob Morrish for his first goal of the season.

From another short corner came another goal - a wonderful strike from Phil Morrish was saved centimetres from the line and Rob was on hand to finish his second from close range.

It was a great effort from all those who turned up - a bit of fun had in the end by all.

The game had a nice little footnote for the Morrish family, as all five male Morrishes (one dad and four sons) played together in a competitive game for the first time.

England Hockey Cup
Salisbury 4, Bridgwater Ladies 0

THE ladies’ 1sts played their first cup game of the year against a strong and well-drilled Salisbury.

Bridgwater started excellently, with some good drives forward and some solid defensive work, and held the visitors to 0-0 at half-time.

After a momentary lapse in concentration, Salisbury managed to get a goal which spurred them onto win the game.

Bridgwater played some brilliantly hockey and were very unlucky to come away with a score line of 4-0 that did not reflect the game.

Player of the match went to goalkeeper Sue Durkin for the crucial saves she made in both halves of the game.

The team have one more match before Christmas facing old rivals Weston in the Somerset Cup next weekend, and are determined to pull out all the stops!

***

Verde Recreo Men’s League
Central 1
City of Bath A 3, Bridgwater 3

COMING up against an ex-England squad player, Bridgwater started on the back foot and conceded early.

The recovery was strong, however, and thanks to two short corner goals in quick succession from captain Duncan Morrish, they soon went 2-1 up.

Sam Uminski put his side 3-1 up early into the second half but they conceded from an incredible reverse strike and a scrappy short corner, meaning the spoils were shared.

Player of the match: Pete Saunders

West Central 1
Bridgwater A 3, Bristol Uni A 3

The men’s 2s had one of their finest performances of the season, becoming the first side to prevent Bristol Uni winning.

Two well-taken goals from Tom Lott put Bridgy ahead but this spurred their opposition into gear and the score was soon equal at 2-2.

Bristol went 3-2 up with 15 minutes to go, but Lott’s third levelled it up.

The defensive display was immense and the draw was well deserved.

Player of the match: Tom Lott

West Central 2
Keynsham A 7, Bridgwater B 0

DESPITE large patches in which Bridgwater were on top, their opposition were ruthless with their chances and finished well.

Player of the match: Rich Biddle

South East 2
Bridgwater C 1, Chard B 2

THE men’s 4s were unlucky as a late goal sealed the win for Chard.

Clayton Hobbs bagged the goal for Bridgwater.

South East 3
Taunton Vale E 6, Bridgwater D 1

VALE went into a commanding three-goal lead very quickly despite some incredible saves and blocking from the defence.

Some quality at the back with some great interplay allowed Bridgwater to create some space, but unfortunately Vale were far too strong.

A fine team move saw Kelly slot a late consolation into the bottom corner.

Man of the match: Brad Palmer

West Clubs Women’s League
Sedgemoor Division 2
Weston-super-Mare B 0, Bridgwater 2nds 5

THE ladies 2nds started well, pushing Weston back into their own half quickly, and Holly Hobbs found the net with a great shot from a difficult angle.

This gave Bridgwater the boost they needed with Danni Morgan slotting away a well-worked long corner shortly after.

Julie Reed made it three before half-time with a good run and shot into the corner.

Bridgwater played some of their best hockey of the season in the second half and were rewarded with another two goals courtesy of Willow Hobbs and Rose Baker.

Player of the match: Holly Hobbs, Julie Reed & Clare Wilson