Mendip Ladies’ Hockey snatched defeat from the jaws of victory on Saturday, as they saw a first half lead slip away at a chilly Lansdown.
City started the brighter, and Mendip were forced onto the back foot, with keeper, Carrie Tiley, called into action to save a number of penalty corners. Eventually the pressure told and City converted a corner to take the lead.
Mendip responded immediately with a super passing move that set up centre forward, Charlene Vranch, who unleashed a reverse-stick strike to equalise. This proved the catalyst that Mendip needed, and they began to control proceedings. Vranch put Mendip ahead before half-time, showing great perseverance to slot home following a penalty corner routine.
The second half saw City set a higher tempo. Mendip worked hard to defend, but ultimately found themselves undone by some rapid attacking and unusually strict umpiring. The visitors were reduced to ten players on four separate occasions, causing a degree of confusion at the back, and City went on to score three second-half goals to secure the win.
This Saturday, Mendip play the season’s first home fixture as they welcome Marlborough to Norton Hill (1.30 p.m.).