Under (mostly) blue skies, the Men’s 2s started their season against newly promoted Clifton Robinsons 6s, who were keen to prove their place in the league.

Mendip started out as the stronger side, playing good hockey and trying to work the ball through the opposition. This paid off early on, with Mendip taking the lead after a well worked move into the D, with George Smith calmly slotting past Clifton’s goalkeeper.

Mendip continued to play well but Clifton gradually fought back and, before Mendip were able to grab a second, they grabbed the equaliser after a number of passes in the area and no-one able to close down quick enough.

Mendip’s effective high press forced Clifton into an error just before the break, giving the ball away just after a sixteen, and James England was only too happy to take advantage; neatly finishing a reverse strike to take the men in yellow into the lead at half-time.

The second half started in a similar way to the first, with the Mendip starting well and keen to extend their lead. It was only thanks to the Clifton GK that the scoreline didn’t increase quickly. But, eventually Mendip did get their third, with George Lippiatt playing a ball out on the right to Mike Bristowe who passed back inside to James England, near the 25, who then completed the rest of the hard work. Beating several players and forcing his way into the area before taking a shot which flew into the goal!

With fifteen minutes to go, Clifton managed to get a second goal too after some scrambling in the area. The yellows held out to be victorious for this season opener!

Elsewhere: the Ladies 1’s lost 3-0 to Marlborough, Player of the match Olivia Collins.

The Ladies 2’s lost 3-1 against rivals Shepton Mallet, goal scored by Ella Constable, player of the match Emma Collins.