YATE Hockey Club were tickled pink last Saturday at the launch of their new away shirt, writes Diana Pugh Hudson. 

There was even a delicious pink shirt cake to mark the occasion!

On the pitch, Yate Ladies 1s hosted Firebrands 2 in a top of the table clash.

Yate were still missing two key players to international duty at the Masters World Cup in New Zealand, whereas Firebrands appeared to field a number of 1s players.

After a two minute silence to mark remembrance weekend, the match began and Firebrands were out of the blocks like Usain Bolt. Before Yate new it three goals had gone in, one thankfully disallowed for hitting a Firebrands foot in the D.

In other seasons Yate’s heads may have gone down, but this Yate side is made of sterner stuff!

Undeterred they played their way back into the game and pulled one back; Millie Vale-Webb breaking into the D and calmly passing to Sophie McLain to beat the keeper. The visitors created more chances but Yate’s keeper Kelly Bowden made sure it remained 2-1 at half time.

The second half was more even, but nevertheless more heroics were required from Bowden to keep the league leaders out, her many impressive saves securing her Player of the Match.

Yate increasingly looked like scoring and had long spells of pressure, but couldn’t find the equaliser.

The match ended 2-1 to Firebrands, dropping Yate to 3rd in the table.

Yate Men’s 1s lost 2-1 away at Bridgend 1.

Yate Ladies 2s hosted Royal Wootton Bassett, with both sides in need of points this season.

It was the visitors who capitalised on their chances, winning 6-0.

Yate Mens 2 and Clifton Robinsons 2 were both promoted together last season and it played out a good match between two good teams.

Yate opened the scoring with a well worked move ending with a questionable finish by Sam Patten.

The first half saw Clifton dominate the middle of the pitch and they themselves then scored two quick goals to take the lead.

Yate were finding success down the flanks with some great running by Chris Gay, Luis and Dave Nuttell.

With the final play of the first half Mike Chaney slotted home from an acute angle past an advancing keeper, though no one is quite sure how.

This followed a great break from the midfield passing to Patten for the assist and to mean the 1st half finished equal for both sides.

The second half saw an improved performance by Yate who dominated the space well with strong performances by many but special mention to goal keeper Luke, Steve Mason, James Clarke and Martin Ashley who all won their 50/50s and to Olly Adams and Rob Austin for two memorable ariel’s. Neither team could find a winning goal meaning the spoils were shared in a well contested game: 2-2.

In a much anticipated local derby between Yate Ladies 3s and BAPS, BAPs opening the scoring.

Both teams played some nice hockey but it wasn’t until late in the first half that Yate found the net with Jeanette Seaville scoring a brilliant solo goal with a strike hitting the left corner of the net.

BAPs went two goals ahead until Yate brought one goal back with a pass from Alexandra Bessex into Clare Kane who scored a good goal from close range.

Unfortunately, this did not prove enough to gain Yate the points. Player of the match went to Jeanette Seaville.

Yate Mens 3s beat South Gloucester 3s 2-0. Josh and Marc scored the goals and Ethan was Player of the Match.

There was an early start for Yate Ladies 4’s away to Knowle 3, with three new members facing their first ever hockey match, well supported by their team.

The first five minutes saw Yate finding their feet and Knowle had a lucky break, catching the Yate keeper out for their first goal.

Yate reset as always and took it to the home side. End to end play ensued, with the middle of the park being commanded by Jeanette Seavill, Yate’s most experienced player on the pitch bringing confidence to the whole team.

A great run down the line from halfway saw Imogen A deliver the ball into the D to Amy K before a great team goal was slotted home by Lisa Taylor; 1-1 at half time.

The second half brought on a revived Knowle chasing the points. But they couldn’t break Yate’s defence; Nikki Ashley, SJ More and GP all holding them back with great tackles and Yate keeper Jo Goulden made some key clearances.

Yate’s second goal came from a penalty corner, where Taylor got her brace after a bit of a scramble and was named Yate’s Player of the match.

The final whistle went and Yate Ladies 4’s got their first away win!