Hockey

Wotton started well but Badgers soon gained the upper hand with some sloppy marking at set piece giving them an early lead. The match continued to be physical and intense but played in the best of spirits by two competitive sides.

The midfield battle was a microcosm of the game as a whole with central duo Perrett and skipper Vicki Carney evenly matched by their counterparts in black shirts and each trying to wrestle the initiative from the other.

Wotton enjoyed a bigger slice of possession as half time approached and deservedly equalized via Carney's smart deflection from Perrett's shot.

The game continued to swing one way and another as the second half progressed and it looked like the next goal would win the game. As things became increasingly tense, the calmness under pressure of Lianne Hacker at sweeper looked to give Wotton an advantage, but her performance was matched by the Badgers centre back who frustrated the strike partnership of Stockley & Reid all afternoon.

Myra Patteson made a real impact when she came off the bench on the right and the improving Leila Hanney also caught the eye with some crucial tackles but Wotton were marginally out-thought and out-hustled by Badgers in key areas.

Badgers regained the lead but Wotton showed their mettle by refusing to take defeat lying down. Every player lifted themselves for one last effort to take something from the game, laying siege to the Badgers goal. When the ball broke free to Perrett at the top of the D there was only going to be one outcome and the midfielder made no mistake with a bullet of a shot.

lWotton retain their status as league leaders on goal difference over arch rivals Cirencester. These two teams meet at Deer Park School (1140) this Saturday in a crucial top of the table clash. Supporters welcome WEST OF ENGLAND & SOUTH WALES HOCKEY LEAGUE North Division 2 Shepton Mallet 3 Wotton-under-Edge 3 Wotton played out yet another high scoring draw, this time away to former league leaders Shepton Mallet.

Goals came from Andy Stockley, Jimmy Cruickshank and vice Captain Ryan Howarth. Wotton were close to stealing all three points in the dying seconds but know that they have to start converting draws into victories if they are to be in the promotion mix come the seasons end.

Hereford/Gloucester Division 1 Wotton-under-Edge II 9 Cheltenham IV 0 Wotton fielded the nearest to a full strength squad that they have managed all season - ironically to face bottom of the table Cheltenham.

The visitors' well-organised and spirited defence, combined with wayward finishing by the Blues, kept the game goalless for the first 15 minutes.

Just as the symptoms of anxiety were beginning to appear, a classy penalty corner conversion by James Pullin broke the deadlock. This settled Wotton into a much improved pattern of sensibly spreading the ball wide, which yielded a further four goals before half-time.

Cheltenham regrouped after the break and the home side were guilty of going for spectacular passes and strikes on goal instead of playing the percentages. As a result just four more goals were added and the visitors were far from dispirited at the final whistle. Sharpshooter James Pullin ended with four goals to his credit and the defensive back line contributed the rest with two-apiece for Stuart Saunderson and Chris Gee and one for Alan Hooper.

Club Chairman Alan Hooper said, "This result gives us a vital three points to ease relegation worries.

"It's essential that the developing young players in our squad will play Division One hockey next season.

Although it wasdifficult to judge in such an uneven contest, there were encouraging signs of a return of the good form that we showed before the Christmas break."