IT WAS an exciting weekend for Yate hockey club, with the usual league action, the Avon league junior festival and on Saturday evening a club trip to watch the other hockey – Bristol Pitbulls men’s ice hockey team.

In the league Yate ladies 1s hosted Clifton Robinson 4s and created chances from the whistle. The Clifton keeper managed to keep Yate out before Clifton converted their first proper chance; an attack down the right with a cross which reached a Clifton player in front of the keeper who slotted it home.

At 1-0 down for the second week in a row Yate regrouped and continued to create chances, Millie Vale-Webb making some devastating runs up the right wing ably supported by Ruth Belcher and SJ Willetts. Eventually Yate managed to beat Clifton’s star player in goal; Chloe W putting in an excellent cross which Zoe Vale managed to get first to through the crowd and sweep in.

 The second half started at 1-1 and Yate increasingly dominated play. Yate’s second goal game when Belcher found Vale from a sideline hit, who found Antonia Joy in the D. With work still to do Joy dribbled and turned to slot the ball into the corner and put Yate 2-1 up.

 Clifton created a couple of chances; Ruby G in goal making a great save before Willetts saved the lifted rebound shot off the line, and Jess Brain’s speed running 1 put pay to Clifton’s limited penalty corners. But overall it was Yate creating chances and they secured a much deserved 3rd just before the final whistle; Sophie McLain scoring past the visiting keeper. Yate stay 3rd in the table after that result.

Yate men’s 1s also maintain 3rd after beating Cardiff Medics 5-4 away. Yate’s goals were shared between Danny Pearce, Josh Whittle, Dom Chambers, Matt Child and Nick Perry-Gough.

Yate Ladies 2s hosted Marlborough 1 in a home fixture. There was some end to end play in the first half, with Yate setting a high press and putting pressure on, bolstered by the supporters on the sideline. 

 

In the second half, Yate went on the offensive, with some brilliant teamwork and balls across the goal, but were unfortunate not to capitalise on these opportunities. Jessica VW was nominated player of the match after a high intensity performance in the middle of the pitch. The final score remained 0-0, awarding Yate another hard-won point in their final fixture before Christmas.

 

Yate men’s 2s lost 5-2 away to Whitchurch 3 and the men’s 3s lost 3-2 in a close match at Old Bristolians. George Tucker and Zach A scored the goals for Yate. 

Yate ladies 3s lost 3-0 to a fast University of Bristol 4s side and the ladies 4s drew 1-1 with Wick 3, Charlotte W scoring for Yate. 

On Sunday Yate u12s entered the Avon league junior festival at YOSC. There were goals aplenty as they won two, drew one and lost one, showing excellent team pay and demonstrating that their hard work is paying off.

Saturday evening saw a large section of the club visit Planet Ice to watch Bristol Pitbulls take on higher place Hull Seahawks. With the crowd bolstered by the Yate contingent, the Pitbulls looked like securing a 5-4 win before conceding at the death. With no score in extra time it went to penalties, the Pitbulls securing an exciting win!