Gloucester 3, Bretforton 5

SATURDAY'S friendly at Plock Court saw the visitors Bret took time to settle against opponents from two leagues higher.

Goalkeeper Vicky Webb made a number of outstanding saves and defenders Jane Wheeler, Bobbie Handley, Blanche Surman and Sara Cooke were on top form but they were finally undone from a short corner.

Bretforton's midfield took control towards the latter stages of the first half when Sophie Corbett, Lisa Workman, Andrea Cole and Deb Slatter worked their socks off.

Following a great run from Slatter down the right, Sarah Hall provided a neat finish with a reverse stick shot t make it all-square at half-time.

The visitors got off to a flying start after the restart when Slatter collected the ball on halfway and a beautifully timed pass to Workman and a first-time shot gave Bretforton the lead.

However, Gloucester levelled within 90 seconds but now was the time for Sarah Bragg and teenager Emily Aston to make their mark as they linked up well in midfield.

Aston scored her first senior goal when she made no mistake when the defence failed to clear and Bragg then got on to the scoresheet after her initial shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

The home side pulled another goal back but Bretforton were in no mood to let the game slip and a further goal from Gilly Wright and another fine stop from player of the match Webb secured victory.

The win was an excellent confidence booster ahead of this weekend's league game at East Gloucester.

Last Saturday's match ball was sponsored by Glyme Picture Framing.

Badsey 2, Cresconians 2

THIS is traditionally a very close encounter and the visitors soon put Badsey under intense pressure and took the lead after a series of quickfire attacks.

The home side then settled down and began to play their way into the game with Shelley Banner, Sarah Turner and Lynn Ellarby driving them forward from midfield.

Midway through the half, they drew level when Zoe Hodgkins was lurking in front of goal to convert a cross from the right.

They then started to gain the upper hand and went ahead through a Kerry Cassey short corner strike.

The rest of the half saw fast and furious end to end play with both sides coming close to further goals and Wendy Hardy making a goalline clearance for Badsey.

Shortly before half-time, the home side lost the advantage when a poor clearance out of defence allowed Cresconians to equalise.

In the second half, both sides played entertaining hockey as they searched for the elusive winning goal.

The Badsey defence, led by player of the match Jane Rickey, stayed strong in the face of visiting pressure, while goalkeeper Rachel Leeming made several crucial saves to ensure a share of the points.

Badsey continue their league campaign with a trip to Droitwich on Saturday.

Training takes place on Wednesday evenings from 7pm at Evesham High School. New players will be most welcome ring Jane on 01386 833947 for details.