SIX teams were in action for Yate Hockey Club last Saturday in their first league fixtures of the season.

The ladies 1s began their campaign at Chippenham 1, with this season’s squad gelling nicely after a great pre-season.

A strong warm up saw Yate begin with high-tempo, passing the ball around nicely and advancing into the opposition D.

Chippenham also broke through on a couple of occasions, once forcing an excellent save from an advancing Bowden in goal to snuffle out the 1v1 threat.

Half-way through the 1st half Yate took a 1-0 lead through another stunning strike from Holly Davis.

And ten minutes into the 2nd half Zoe Vale was on the score sheet again for her signature goal; Davis and Vale having both now scored for Yate three weekends in a row!

Yate maintained control in the second half, Vale-Webb and player of the match Wallace carving through the home side on numerous occasions.

Chippenham’s chances were limited to a handful of penalty corners, though they managed to convert one of these on the final whistle; wrong-footing Bowden and Davies with their strike.

Still, Yate were pleased with a 2-1 victory to open what looks like a promising league season!

Yate men’s 1s lost 5-1 at home to Cardiff & Met 3 in their opening fixture. Dylan Jackson scored Yate’s goals.

Yate ladies 2s were also defeated, 2-0 away at Corsham 1. Corsham scored early but Yate regrouped for an exciting second half, though they were unfortunately unable to find a goal.

Newly promoted into West Men’s Bridge Division 1, Yate Mens 2s were delighted to start their league campaign with a convincing 5-0 win at home against Thornbury 1.

Mike Chaney scored a brace from open play before Alex Robins scored Yate’s third. Parrot found the goal at a penalty corner before securing his brace with an open play goal.

Yate ladies 3 visited Westberries 5 in a late afternoon away fixture. After a much-delayed start, Westberries were the team to open the scoring early on in the match.

The match was fairly even with both teams looking likely to score and Yate then equalised with a goal from Marlize Wood.

After the break, there was a short injury break when two Yate players collided, but fortunately there was no lasting damage. Yate then took the opportunity to go ahead with an excellent ball in from I Collin to Sharron Bates, who superbly slotted the ball into the net.

Yate's third goal was slightly confusing for both teams with Bates getting her second of the match after the Westberries goal keeper made an error of judgement.

Yate were happy to take the 3-1 win and therefore all three points. A great start to the league campaign.

Player of the match went to goalkeeper Nikki Ashley with a large majority of the final votes. Other strong performances came from Emma Smith and joint captain Julia Collin, who helped secure the win for Yate.

In their first league match for 9 years, Yate men’s 3s hosted North Somerset 3. Yate had numerous chances, Marc Bruce especially with a number of near misses, earning him Player of the Match and DOD!

Che made an excellent debut, Yate’s defence work rate was solid with a mix of experience and youth and the new 'shaggy' was outstanding as centre back. It was great to see Adam Powell back playing, Marc, matt HH and James linked up well and proved a formidable spine in Yate’s midfield and George Tucker was unlucky with not scoring an absolute worldy of a chip!

Yate lost the match 2-0, though this didn’t reflect the performance, which captain Paul Anderson was very proud of.