HOCKEY: Swindon beaten by table-topping Salisbury (From This Is Wiltshire)

SWINDON’S ladies were defeated 2-1 at home by Premier Division 2A leaders Salisbury.

After an end-to-end opening 10 minutes, it was the Swindon who scored first from a short corner as Adriana Boulousa teed up Linda Brouwers to fire into the right corner.

Salisbury came back strongly and Clare Tyas cleared off the line, while keeper Sarah Annstey was forced to make several fine saves.

Swindon could only keep their opponents out for so long as the Salisbury attack picked up a failed clearance and proceeded to level.

The south Wiltshire side then caught their opponents out on the break and a well-placed shot meant they took a 2-1 lead into the interval.

Swindon played their best hockey of the season after the interval but were unable to make the breakthrough, with Beth George coming the closest to the equaliser.

Defender Gael Little made crucial clearances during the game and was player of the match.

North Wilts found top of the league Team Bath Buccs 4ths too hot to handle as they were sunk 5-1.

Team Bath took a 3-0 lead into half-time and added two more after the break.

Nicole Dhillon bagged a consolation for North Wilts and Gaby Bickell was named player of the match.

Wootton Bassett trounced Bristol Uni 2nds 4-0 in North Division.

Swindon 2nds took one step closer to promotion out of Wessex Division 2 with a 5-0 win over Melksham 2nds.

Katy Cannon, Sue Roberts, Lucy Smale, Nicola Wylie and Kim Taylor were on the scoresheet.

North Wilts 2nds were thumped 4-0 by Avonmouth in Berkeley Division 3.