IN THEIR first National League match since their outstanding display at the England Hockey Super Sixes, where Ashmoor Hockey Club gained promotion to the Premier League of Indoor hockey, the Men's 1st XI travelled to Bath for a mouthwatering game against the team one place above them.

Although there were some absences through travel and injury/illness, Ashmoor produced a really professional performance from the first whistle, and despite some rustiness in their outdoor version of the game, came home with all three points.

Early on Ashmoor transferred the ball well and a couple of chances went begging when the ball flashed across the Bath goal with no final touch.

Midway through the quarter, striker Rich Fisher smashed the ball goalwards, it was saved but from the ensuing rebound Lewie Jones looked certain to score from right on the goal line, however the foul was awarded against him. Ashmoor earned a penalty corner just before the quarter time break but nothing came of it.

The second quarter was more even but Ashmoor had chances from a succession of penalty corners again, with Bath managing to keep them out through a variety of methods!

After halftime, Ashmoor came out the brighter more positive team. Fletch Naisbett-Jones who was lively all game stole to ball off a Bath defender and set up Fisher whose powerful volley was kept out again by the lively home keeper.

Ashmoor had other chances which didnt quite come off, but midway through the quarter Rich Ashworth fired a great pass in from the left, and National League debutant Dec Turner was at the back post to deflect it home and give Ashmoor a deserved lead. Ashmoor might have increased their lead when Jones played in Naisbett-Jones minutes later but his effort went wide.

At the other end goalkeeper Ben Blundy saved comfortably off one of Bath's few chances.

Ashmoor came out resolutely in the final quarter to deny Bath possession and chances and take the win. Dec Turner was awarded the Pallex Player of the Match for his all-action display.

The clean sheet was Ashmoor's third of the season, and indeed the first match that the Bath have failed to find the net in. The win moved Ashmoor up to joint third in the league and sets them up nicely for Saturday evening's Devon derby against Isca, who currently lie bottom of the table.

The game is a 6pm start at the Exeter University Sports Park. All support is welcome as always.

Petroc Division 1.

Ashmoor Women's 1st XI. 1

Devonport Services 2nd XI. 1

Having been defeated 6-1 earlier in the season, Ashmoor's ladies team were pleased with the outcome of their 1-1 draw with the same opposition in the return fixture.

In fact, Ashmoor raised their game and had the better of the match. Elsa Powell gave Ashmoor the lead before halftime, but Devonport pulled it back level after the break.

In a great defensive display, Tamsin Sleep was the Player of the Match. Ashmoor will be looking to consolidate their 3rd position in Petroc Division 1 when they travel to Ocean City this Saturday.

South Division 2

Ashmoor Men's 2nd XI. 1

University of Exeter Men. 1

Ashmoor Men's 2nd team shared the spoils with the Exeter University opposition on Saturday. Ashmoor took the lead on 11 minutes when Phil Hampson scored after good work from Harry Little.

After the break Ashmoor created some chances, but they couldn’t find the elusive winning goal and the game finished all square at 1-1. Ashmoor lie in 4th spot in the division, and this weekend they travel to face Duchy 1st XI.

In the other league matches to be played, despite a great first half when they were trailing by just the single goal, Ashmoor Men's 3rd team were defeated 7-0 at top of the table Exeter Uni 5ths.

Defender James Pearse was awarded Player of the Match for his sterling efforts for Ashmoor.

The Men’s 4th XI enjoyed their best win of the season with a resounding 6-1 victory at Isca. Eddie Tomlinson and Alex Southgate scored a brace each, and Harry Easthope & Nick Edmeades weighted in with the others to give the 4th team all three points.

This weekend the Men's 3rd team host Exeter 3rd XI, whilst the 4th team are at home to Torbay Men's 3rd team.