IN TORRENTIAL rain and gale-force winds, Minehead Hockey Club’s men’s first team delivered a dominant display against Bridgwater 3s, securing an emphatic 10-0 victory.

Mark Bolton, stepping up in the absence of Josh Hooper, wasted no time repaying the faith placed in him, netting a quick-fire brace . The opening salvo was followed by a well-drilled short corner routine that James Weetch slotted home with precision.

Lawrence Taylor added to the tally, ensuring a Bolton effort found its way over the line amid doubts it would reach. Rob Speed then capped off a stellar first half with a deserved strike, driving the ball into the corner of the net.

The second half saw Minehead battling the elements as the wind now whipped into their faces, but it didn’t slow their relentless march. Sam Jarvis, returning after a season away, marked his comeback in style, calmly finishing his first goal like he had never been away. Chris Weetch, not wanting to be left out, slipped one into the corner before trotting back for the restart, punctuating his effort with a barked celebration.

Minehead’s defence was a wall, snuffing out any rare Bridgwater counterattacks and pinning the opposition in their own half. Meanwhile, Mark Bolton, still chasing his hat trick, saw another chance narrowly miss the post.

Sam Jarvis showed composure once again to flick home his second goal, keeping the scoreboard ticking. Finally, Bolton’s moment came: a sliced effort found its way into the roof of the net to complete his hat trick. Not content to stop there, he added a fourth with five minutes remaining..

Shane Heale earned Man of the Match honours.,

Minehead 2nds, playing away to Yeovil & Sherborne, started strong despite the storm and it was clear they were dominating the game. Play was largely in their 25 but Minehead struggled to convert continued play in the D to a goal. As half time approached, it was frustrating not have anything on the scoresheet until Will Read striking the ball into the backboard. 1-0 half time.

The second half needed a few more goals to secure a win. Within 10 mins Max Read managed to find space and slotted the ball past the keeper. Minehead kept pressure up and play was firmly in their half with a few breakthroughs from Yeovil but were brought down by the visitors’ defence.

Peter Cole, after being unlucky on a number of occasions, finally managed to make it 3-0. Five minutes before full time - a penalty corner to Minehead, a push to Morris Burrough who was not expecting it, managed to strike the ball from the top of the D into the goal. 4-0. MoM: Morris Burrough.