Dursley 1, Bretforton II 3

VICTORY over the Severn League leaders last Satur-day leaves the destiny of the title firmly in Bretforton's hands.

The visitors were on the back foot for the opening 20 minutes when only stout defensive play from Marion Icke, Michaela Amphlett, Lesley McKinnon and goalkeeper Fiona Baldelli prevented the home side from taking the lead.

The latter produced a series of fine stops and the excellent work at the back was rewarded at the other end where slick stick skills from Shirley Aubrey set up a chance that Sarah Bragg converted in fine fashion.

Dursley showed their pedigree and their pressure was finally rewarded when Bald-elli could only push the ball clear and a home forward reacted first to make it 1-1.

The visitors were again indebted to Baldelli when the second half got under way but, once Bretforton had withstood the siege and finally earned themselves some possession, they made it count.

Aubrey and Bernie Amphlett were working well in midfield but it was Michaela Amphlett who produced a superb weaving turn that saw the ball reach Julie Hall before Bragg finished off the move.

Dursley were left stunned and their heads dropped and the superior fitness of their opponents told in the final stages when Aubrey smacked in a third goal to complete a crucial triumph.

Bretforton 3,

Cheltenham 1

BRETFORTON produced some of their best hockey of the season in their penultimate league match.

They opened the scoring following an excellent tenth minute short corner taken by Deb Slatter and netted by Andrea Cole.

Player of the match Liz Murray-White made a number of excellent runs down the right and her inter-play with Slatter caused the Cheltenham defence no end of problems.

Another penetrating run from Slatter led to a second goal as an excellent cross again picked out Cole who swept the ball into the roof of the goal.

However, the visitors pulled a goal back after the break but this only spurred Bretforton on and, following a goalmouth scramble, Sarah Hall set up Cole for her hat-trick.

Goalkeeper Vicky Webb made a brilliant late save to keep her clean sheet.

Bretforton's next action is at the County Tournament at Cheltenham on April 2.