WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Swindon edged out by Cirencester (From This Is Wiltshire)

SWINDON’S search for back-to-back wins in Premier Division 2A ended in disappointment as they were beaten 1-0 by visiting Cirencester.

The hosts, who had beaten their rivals in a pre-season tournament, had more chances and could count themselves unlucky not to score.

While Charlie George had a excellent game and Rachel King caused problems with her pace down the right, Swindon could not make the breakthrough.

The only goal of the match was scored by former Swindon player Kath Fry, who bagged a wonder goal against the run of play.

Defender Nicci Foster was Swindon’s player of the match for the second week in a row, after she cleared off the line to keep her side in contention.

North Wilts travelled to Chippenham 2nds in Wessex Division 1 with just nine players and were on the end of an 8-0 defeat.

Despite plenty of effort from the visitors, Chippenham’s greater numbers were telling and the latter side took a 4-0 lead into the break.

North Wilts battled hard for the opening 15 minutes of the second half, only for their stamina to drain which allowed Chippenham a further four goals.

There was not much joy for Wootton Bassett either as they fell to a 7-1 defeat at new North Division leaders Leominster.

While Katy Cox had a hand in Bassett’s solitary effort, ultimately it was an own goal by one of the home players.

Swindon 2nds conceded twice early on in their 2-0 Wessex Division 2 loss at Marlborough 2nds.

The away side performed much better in the second half and player of the match went to Katie Cannon.

Like their first team, North Wilts 2nds only had nine players for their fixture on Saturday, a 4-0 defeat at Badminton in Berkeley Division 3.

Despite the shortage of players, the visitors dominated the first half and Beth Lloyd ran rings around the defence.

Maddie Wojkowicz came closest to breaking the deadlock when following a short corner she struck for goal, only to be denied by a superb save by the Badminton goalkeeper.

After the break North Wilts performed with guts again and Chloe Wheatly fought hard down the left side.

However, a brilliant strike gave Badminton the lead and they then converted two more short corners.

A fourth goal put the polish on victory for the hosts, but special mention should go to North Wilts debutant Debbie Gorrad and Elspeth Emmerson, who both had impressive games.