SWINDON Ladies bagged their first West Area Hockey League Women's Premier Division win of the season last weekend courtesy of a solid 2-0 victory over Taunton Vale.

Fresh from their goal-fest the previous Saturday and keen to secure a first home win of the season, Swindon Ladies made a shaky start on home soil after early pressure from the visitors forced them to defend a number of short corners.

The home team goalkeeper pulled out a magnificent top-corner save to ensure the hosts' clean sheet remained in tact at half-time.

After the break, Swindon applied the pressure, culminating in a slick move up the pitch and a beautifully crossed ball to Vicky Stokes who neatly slotted home.

The second goal saw Gemma Scrase skillfully cross the ball to be smashed in, a moment which capped a solid performance.

Next week the Ladies first XI travel south to play ISCA and the University of Exeter.

In their first home match of the season, Swindon Mens 1st XI took on Penarth in their West Premiership match.

The game started well for the home team, and following an excellent step, run, and pass by Jack Twine, Thomas Lentschner found the back of the net with a diving reverse stick finish.

Shortly after, the visitors scored from a short corner with a deflection via the left post. Penarth then stole another with a good strike from the Swindon left just before half-time to make it 2-1.

The second half saw Swindon’s elite continue to rule the roost, creating plenty of chances without capitalising.

Eventually, Dave Miles converted a short corner strike which deflected off a defender's foot. And despite plenty of home pressure, Swindon were unable to snatch the three points they felt their play was worth.

In the other matches, Swindon Mens 2nd XI faced Team Bath Buccaneers at Bath University securing a 6-2 win, Swindon Ladies 2nd XI travelled to West Wilts for 6-0 defeat and Swindon Hockey Mens 3rd XI faced Corsham 2nd XI with a 4-0 home win.

Swindon Hockey welcome new and returning players at the Back to Hockey Sessions, Wednesdays 7-8pm at The Deanery Academy, Wichelstowe. Contact details on Facebook and Google.