Victory over Somerset Gryphons was the huge boost that Mendip needed and they are now one step closer to avoiding relegation as the gap widens between them and the two lower placed teams in the hockey league.
Mendip were strong in attack, and this was supported well by both wing backs, Jess Baird and Cosima Burgess, who tackled well and accurately distributed the ball. Mendip’s pressure paid off when they took the lead with a goal coming from a short corner routine. Captain Jackie Browning’s first time shot from the top of the D found the back of the net. This spurred on the visitors, who did manage to score, bringing the game all square at half-time.
Great supportive play from central midfielder, Sally Stanford, ensured Mendip were able to continue to apply pressure to the visitor’s defence throughout the second half. In the last quarter of the match, Mendip worked a new routine when awarded a short corner. The cross came from the left and Browning was on hand again in the D to slot the ball past the keeper to bag her brace. Browning put in a sterling performance in midfield during the game, leading her team by example, which ensured she was Mendip’s Player of the Match. Next week Mendip travel to face Clevedon, who are currently placed bottom of the table – so as long as Mendip keep up this current vein of form, then another three points will be in the bag.
Karen Inns