Kayser strikes (From Stroud News and Journal)

Kayser strikes

Wootton Bassett 2 3 Stroud A

STROUD produced a fantastic result to beat top of the table Wootton Bassett on Saturday Stroud took the lead after Clive Kayser dispatched a fierce goal ward strike that was cleverly swept in by Nick Hitchcroft. Stroud quickly followed this up with a well worked free hit, controlled by Barney Franklin in the 'D' and pulled back for Paul Ratcliffe to slot home.

Bassett fought back with an opportunistic goal shortly before the break. However, Stroud maintained their excellent efforts after the re-start making good use of Iain Green and later Chris Small on the right wing.

After more than 20 penalty corners in the game Bassett converted a chance late on, however this was quickly cancelled out by a typically quick and direct Stroud break that ended with a goal for Kayser to ensure victory.

This was an excellent result to join Bassett at the top of the table and well deserved for the team effort.

* Stroud are away at Yate this Saturday, meet 12.45 at the Leisure Centre. Stroud Men's 1st XI 3 Chippenham 3

A LATE goal denied Stroud a deserved victory.

Stroud started brightly enough and early pressure put them ahead when a deflected cross fell to Tim Norman in front of goal. Stroud could not capitalise on this advantage, however, and Chippenham were level again within five minutes.

Following the half-time break, Stroud worked well to force another goal. Tunney's skillful pass from midfield found Norman who took the ball into the D and cracked in his second.

However, Chippenham levelled again within three minutes, only to see Alex Waring deftly touch the ball in from a firm free hit.

The final 20 minutes saw Stroud on the back foot and they failed to keep possession long enough to do any real damage, although Rob Dove went close after a strong run. Chippenham snatched a point two minutes from time.

* Stroud face City of Bath B on Saturday in the Gerrard League and play Basingstoke in the National Vase Competition on Sunday.

Both games are at home and Sunday's match should be a special occasion with Stroud entering a National Competition for the first time in many years. Support would be appreciated and the match is due to start around 1 p.m.

Stroud Ladies 1st X1 0 Hereford Ladies 1st X1 3

STROUD travelled away to Hereford and held the team to a goal-less draw at half time. However, during the second period Stroud lost their momentum slightly.

This allowed the Hereford team the space it needed to find the back of the goal despite the fine efforts of defenders Mel Clarke, Cara Thompson, Jade O'Connell and Rachel Porter. Player of the match: Pauline Edgington.

Stroud Ladies 1st X1 2 Bicester Ladies 1st X1 1

STROUD travelled to Bicester to play in the first round of the English Hockey Vase Competition.

Bicester scored within the first ten minutes, but it was only minutes later that Stroud's Claire Crosthwaite powered home a goal from a short corner. From that point onwards Stroud dominated the match with the half line of Sophie Ainge, Jenny Price and Anne Oberlin-Harris controlling the mid-field, supporting Debbie Dillon and the rest of the Stroud attack.

Meanwhile, a fine run from Claire Crosthwaite allowed her to slip the ball to Sarah Tudor for Stroud's second goal. At half-time Stroud were ahead 2-1.

Seven minutes into the second-half the umpires abandoned the match because the pitch was partially water logged. Stroud now will wait to hear whether 42 minutes played is sufficient for the team to claim a win or if a re-match is necessary. Player of the match: Claire Crosthwaite.