Hockey

CIRENCESTER Ladies 2nd suffered their first defeat since mid-October, going down 2-1 at home to a strong Painswick team.

Cirencester took the lead courtesy of Michelle Cobb, and at half-time they were still in front but lucky to be in that position, as Painswick had missed a penalty flick and a clear chance from open play.

It was during the first 10 minutes of the second half that luck ran out for Ciren and disaster struck.

Painswick converted a perfectly executed short corner, leaving keeper Jo Cross with no chance, and then scored a second from a narrow angle on the right.

In the final quarter front runners Matilda Granville, Charmaine Davies and Natalie Montezuma were all unlucky not to score as Painswick's keeper pulled off a string of fine saves.

Midfielders Sarah Ryan, Rowena Marriott and Katie Smith ran tirelessly to support their front row and create scoring chances, and the back line afforded Painswick no further scoring opportunities.