Hockey

In what was unquestionably a fast-paced, flowing and competitive encounter, both sides produced some fine hockey. Stroud pushed forward early in the match to signal their intentions, but the home side were well-organised and clearly expected to take three points from this game.

With close marking from both sides, quick and accurate passing was needed to make an impression and Stroud managed to do this. The visitors were rocked, however, when Cheltenham took the lead with an unstoppable strike high into the netting. Shortly afterwards, another attack saw Stroud fall further behind. They rallied and as the forwards worked out to the flanks, so it left man-of-the-match Hines to drive into the D and slot the ball under the advancing keeper.

The second half produced an open game and Stroud’s work rate was tremendous as they closed down the Cheltenham side. They looked good on the break, too, and one such opening put Rob Waite free. He attempted to round the keeper but was felled unceremoniously and Hines was given the opportunity - duly taken - to even the score from the penalty spot. Leaders never give up without a fight and Cheltenham tried to regain the advantage. Stroud were resolute but went behind once more. A potent combination of more effort and sharp hockey saw Cheltenham pressurised in the closing minutes. Another Stroud attack eventually gave them the equaliser as Nick Hitchcroft steamrollered his way through to force the ball over the line. Both sides looked for a winner in the dying moments, but Stroud’s superb team efforts gave them an invaluable point against the leaders in a performance which ranks amongst their very best.

Stroud Mixed XI 4 Cleevillians Mixed 3 Goalscorers: Andy Hines, Jenny Price, Alex Elder, Dan Clifford STROUD took their time to organise themselves, starting the game with only 10 players.

Cleevillians took an early lead before Jenny Price managed to put in a well-placed short corner at pace - outfoxing the Cleevillians defence to bring the score back to 1 -1. Stroud then began to take more control and despite a few injuries managed to take the lead through Andy Hines.

Dan Clifford and Alex Elder both managed to score and Stroud held on to their lead till the end of the game.

Elsewhere, Stroud Men’s 1st XI remain at the top after a 2-2 draw at Penarth. Rob Fynn and Brad Mears scoring for Stroud.

Stroud Men’s 3rd XI were beaten 3-0 at home to Lansdown B. Stroud Badgers U16s were beaten 3-0 away to Gloucester after a spirited performance. The scoreline flattered the opposition considering the efforts put in by Stroud’s young and relatively inexperienced team.

Stroud Ladies’ 1st XI lost 2-1 away to Bristol University 2nds, the goal coming from Lucy Bishop.

Meanwhile, Stroud Ladies’ 2nd XI lost 5-1 against Blockley 2nd XI but were again unable to field a full side, this time making do with 10 players.

Oxstalls 3 Painswick Mixed 1 AN even match started with both sides displaying effective skill to pressure the other. Several attempts on the Painswick goal kept keeper Chris Dunster busy. A spectacular save left Dunster on the floor but a fantastic deflection on the goal line by Craig Lippett kept the score sheet blank. Painswick communicated well after the break to claim the first goal of the match. Nonetheless, Oxstalls quickly retaliated to outwit Painswick’s defence and equalise. Despite detailed passing between Martyn Partidge, Chris Jones and Daniel Partridge, Painswick could not find the opportunity to take a further goal. Oxstalls maintained the pressure on Painswick to win the match. Star player: Craig Lippett.

Badgers 0 Painswick Ladies 1 CLAIRE RACTLIFFE’S goal earned Painswick victory at high-flying Badgers.

Painswick took the lead when Chris Jones’ cross saw Ractliffe place the ball into the net. u Star player: Nikki Aylmer.