A COLWALL side hit by work commitments and injuries played Dursley at Stroud on Saturday and maintained their lead at the top of Severn division one with a 3-1 win.

DURSLEY 1, COLWALL WHC 3

A tentative start might have been predicted, but Colwall's nine players started confidently and productively, taking control from the outset. Colwall used the space left available by Dursley to play flowing hockey, resulting in an early deflected goal from Gemma Richards.

Dursley came back strongly, and every Colwall player worked hard to defend increasing attacks, but on the break Cowall looked ever dangerous.

Eventually Colwall found the net again, when Lucy Halligan struck at goal and Jackie Styles deftly touched it past the keeper. Melinda Bennett, Anna Stocker Jo Dinnie and Sam Shail stayed strong in defence but a tired Colwall side eventually succumbed to a Dursley break resulting in a 2-1 scoreline at half-time.

The second-half saw a lot of pressure from Dursley, but as they began to tire Colwall's passing game took over. Runs from Anna Stocker, Coral Handley and Sam Shail forced Dursley onto the back foot. Colwall were joined by a tenth player when Colleen Rogers joined the attack, and she quickly laid the ball to Handley who scored Colwall's third.

Colwall's next match is against Cheltenham Civil Service at Ledbury Leisure Centre tomorrow (Saturday).