SWINDON crashed to their second defeat of the season against Westbury as they lost 3-2 in the Davis Wood Hockey League Premier Division 2.

In strong winds at Westbury, the hosts took the lead from a breakaway attack, veteran goalkeeper Alan Gough left exposed as the ball was squared across him and slotted into the empty net.

The lead quickly became 2-0 as a carbon copy attack saw the ball break to an unmarked forward in the D, who lifted the ball into the net.

Almost immediately at the other end, a Jake Biddell short corner was saved by the Westbury goalkeeper but following a scramble, Chris Hambling directed into the top corner.

Biddell went close with a reverse stick strike before Westbury made it 3-1 after the break.

Again Swindon gave themselves hope when good work by youngster Tobias Lentschner on the right flank allowed Andy McGregor to convert at the far post.

Westbury were reduced to 10 men after a defender was sin-binned for a reckless challenge, but Swindon were unable to pull level, with John Scrase inches away in the dying moments.

Swindon face Swansea Bay at Isambard School on Saturday.

  • SWINDON Ladies secured three valuable points in the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Premier Division 1 after a 3-1 victory over Bristol University Ladies.

The home side took the lead after five minutes when Victoria Humphries found Vicky Whitmore, who beat the goalkeeper and rolled into the empty net.

The lead was extended 10 minutes later when a penalty corner was expertly deflected into the net by Vicky Stokes.

Swindon went 3-0 up as a pinpoint pass from Rhianne Groom released Vicky Stokes, who beat the goalkeeper with a well-struck effort.

Bristol scored soon after the break but that was how it stayed.

Swindon have no game this weekend.

  • IN NORTH Division 1 Cirencester men saw off Stroud 6-3 with Tom Groombridge among the goals.
  • CIRENCESTER Ladies beat Plymouth University Ladies on penalty strokes in the last 16 of the EHA Vase after drawing 3-3 after extra time.

Kath Fry, Nickie Newton and Jess Weston scored the goals in normal time, and after extra time was goalless the match went to penalty strokes.

Seventeen-year-old Carys Chalkin saved four out of eight as Cirencester Ladies progressed into the quarter-finals.