Hockey: Team Bath Buccs E 1, Chippenham 3 (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Hockey: Team Bath Buccs E 1, Chippenham 3

9:28am Tuesday 17th February 2009 in Sport By Laura Hickman

Chippenham Mens first team maintained their lead at the top of the division with a convincing win away at Bath Buccs at the weekend.

Although the scoreline suggests that this was an easy victory, the reality was that Bath were a determined side, well-drilled and displayed some fine individual skills, especially in the midfield.

Chippenham started well and matched the home side for determination and they were the first to open the scoring. The visitors were awarded a short corner. From a well worked short corner routine, Nigel Stonham set-up Luke Morris who tapped in at the right-hand post for the first goal.

But the celebrations were short lived as Buccs came back at Chippenham and exerted pressure on their defence. Their efforts were rewarded as they equalised to bring the score back to 1-1.

From this push-back, Chippenham attacked and as the half-time whistle approached, James Hamilton scored his first goal of the season and see his side take back the lead. Some fine inter-linking play between Fisher and Ward gave Hamilton an easy tap-in from close range.

Half-time 1-2 Chippenham 1st IX The second half saw an energised Chippenham start with all guns blazing and immediately put pressure on Buccs. They created numerous chances from which they should have scored. The Buccs goalkeeper played his part keeping his team in the match, making several goal-saving saves.

Cameron Main sealed the result for Chippenham scoring their third goal. A lovely reverse stick flick into an empty net.

Although Buccs came back again and applied pressure, Chippenham’s defence remained solid and was able to turn defence into attack. But neither team could find the finishing touch and the scoreline remained at 1-3 to the visitors.

A good result for the league leaders who felt that they had more in reserve and should have used it. But the result sees them maintain a two point lead over second placed City of Bath ‘A’ and an eight point cushion over third placed Buccs ‘E’. The win keeps their promotion hopes to Division North 2 alive and next week sees them host Westbury at Bristol Road with a 3pm pushback.