Chippenham Ladies 1st IX 1

Clifton Ladies 2nds 2

IN their last pre-season friendly, Chippenham Ladies first team played host to Clifton Ladies 2nd team on Saturday at home.

Chippenham got off to a good start displaying some fine, passing hockey across the pitch. But Clifton weathered the storm and soon stepped up the challenge which broke up the play.

From being awarded a short corner, Clifton eventually scrambled the ball into the back of the Chippenham goal to open their account and held onto this slender lead going in to the half-time break.

During the break, newly appointed first team captain Tracey Doughty delivered some stern words to the rest of the players which seemed to sink in.

Chippenham appeared to be making some headway against a well-drilled Clifton side and although they scored a second well-placed goal to extend their lead, Chippenham did not give up the fight.

Some excellent play by forwards Becky Roberts and Eli Copeland made the Clifton work hard and eventually Chippenham's efforts were rewarded as they were awarded a short corner.

This was duly put away by Julie Lodge for Chippenham's only goal of the match.

The first team open their new season league campaign next weekend with a home tie against Salisbury.

Clifton College 3

Chippenham Ladies 3rd IX 0

CHIPPENHAM'S third team travelled to Clifton College to play their last friendly before beginning the league fixtures next weekend.

Chippenham started the match well, displaying some fine hockey from the whole team. They also found themselves having to defend for several periods of play and their defence stood up well. Goalkeeper Toni Jackson particularly playing well and making some great, goal saving saves.

Team captain, Cara Smith kept the team spirits high and made a brilliant clearance off the line to prevent the home side from opening the scoring. At the half-time break,neither team had managed to break the deadlock.

The second opened with both teams keen to make their mark in the game. Some good play in the Chippenham midfield and some lovely, accurate passing through to the waiting forwards, Ann Tweedale and Mary Derrick kept the pressure on Clifton.

But if was Clifton who made eventually broke the deadlock and took the lead. This was further extended as two more goals swiftly followed.

To their credit, Chippenham regained their composure and although had their chances, could not convert them into goals.

Next weekend's opening league fixture is a home game against Devizes Ladies 3rds with an 11.05 pushback time.