WEYMOUTH LADIES 5 WEST WILTS LADIES 2

NATALIE Halford enjoyed a dream debut for Weymouth’s first XI in the side’s opening West Clubs Women’s League East Division fixture of the new term.

The summer recruit scored a hat-trick and was named player of the match in a 5-2 success over West Wilts.

Despite several players playing out of position, the Weymouth defence held strong and prevented any West Wilts attacks getting through.

Chloe Carter-Miles nearly made the breakthrough for the hosts when she narrowly missed the target after Halford had won possession and surged down the right wing.

This boosted Weymouth’s confidence and a great combination of passes allowed Linda Drewitt to calmly slot past the visiting keeper.

Halford then made another great run into the D where she wrong-footed the keeper, played the ball around her, and made it 2-0.

The pressure on the visitors continued to build and Wey-mouth’s fitness shone through.

Another new face, Kim Young, found Anneka Rogers and her pass to Halford at the top of the D was despatched with real venom.

Later in the match, Halford went on another run and completed her hat-trick with a goal that was a mirror image of her first.

The final Weymouth goal came from some great defensive play.

A West Wilts short corner was dealt with and a move down the left ended with Lara Blundell converting for a 5-0 lead.

West Wilts overloaded their strike force in the last 10 minutes and managed to score twice in quick succession.

Weymouth: Ribbons, Van Crugten, Rogers, Brazier, Williams, Halford, Huntley, Young, Blundell, Carter-Miles, Dive, Foot, Drewitt

Player of the Match: Natalie Halford

POOLE LADIES II 1 WEYMOUTH LADIES II 1

WEYMOUTH’S second XI secured a draw at Poole in their first game of the new season in Channel Division Two.

The visitors had to change their formation halfway through the first period to compete equally in the midfield, and both sides were denied goals by the umpires.

The second half was also strongly contested and Poole broke the deadlock.

However, Weymouth were pat-ient in their build-up play and were rewarded late in the game with a goal by Mel Wheeler.

It was an excellent team effort from Weymouth, with new and inexperienced players slotting in and performing well.

Players of the Match: Carolyn Schofield/Berni John

* New, young and old players are always welcome to attend Weymouth sessions on the artificial pitch at Redlands Community Sports Hub on Tuesdays (7pm-9pm).

Anyone interested can either turn up on the night or call the club secretary on 07912311514 for further details.