SWINDON Ladies are within touching distance of the West Clubs Women’s Hockey League Premier Division 2A title after a battling 3-2 victory at home to Clifton Robinsons 2s.

Despite a slow start during the warm-up, Swindon began the contest playing some of their best hockey of the season.

Victoria Stokes scored a diving goal inside the first few minutes, following a superb pass from Gemma Scrase, and the hosts went two goals up moments later. Scrase turned from assistant to provider with a well-taken volley.

The third goal came midway through the first half as captain Adriana Boullosa managed to prod the ball into the back of the net.

Swindon felt they should have been further ahead at the break after several shots went narrowly wide, and they were almost made to pay after half-time.

Failing to control the game as efficiently as they had managed during the opening period, Swindon conceded as Clifton drove to the top of the D and shot, going in between goalkeeper Sarah Anstey’s legs.

While trying to save the shot, Anstey hurt her knee badly and could not continue, therefore outfielder Ella Caldwell stepped in.

Caldwell performed admirably as Swindon’s defence worked tirelessly against the attacking Clifton who seemed to have a new spring in their step following half time.

The home team managed to deny Clifton a second until the dying moments of the game when the visitors pulled another goal back via a short corner.

Elsewhere, Swindon Ladies 2s fell 5-0 to Corsham in Whitehorse Division One.

MENS HOCKEY

SWINDON Men took another big step towards promotion to the Premiership with a comprehensive 4-1 victory over fourth placed Isca A.

Despite playing with bare 11 for the second week in a row, Swindon performed admirably for the most part but found themselves a goal down early on via a contentious short corner decision.

A missed foot in the build up to the awarding of the corner frustrated the home team, and was compounded when the ball was arrowed beyond Jonathan Griffiths down to his right.

Swindon were undeterred and continued to play their natural game, but it was a quick turnover that saw Phil Scarisbrick bring the scores level.

Despite going down to 10 men, Swindon took a deserved lead – again through Scarisbrick who showed great composure in front of goal.

The second half saw Swindon continue to dominate and limit the visitors to one or two chances, with goalkeeper Griffiths largely a spectator.

Chris Parsons was instrumental in the way the team played, and a move started by the veteran midfielder led to Scarisbrick completing his hattrick.

The scoring was completed by Dave Miles, who unleashed a ferocious effort from the top of the circle.

This weekend, Swindon visit struggling West Wilts before playing their nearest challengers for promotion, Gloucester at home the week after in a pair of games that will almost certainly decide their fate for next season.

Elsewhere, Swindon Men 2s beat an understrength Marlborough 2-0 away in Central Two courtesy of a pair of goals from Nathan Sutton.

And in East Central One, Swindon Men 3s fell 6-1 at home to table toppers Corsham – Andy Birnie calmly netted Swindon’s only goal.