COLWALL first hockey XI returned to winning ways with an impressive 3-2 victory over league leaders Clifton in an exciting game played at a frantic pace.

COLWALL 3, CLIFTON LADIES II 2

Both sides battled to take the upper hand in the opening quarter and Colwall almost broke the deadlock when Laura Macfarlane ran half the length of the pitch, her shot narrowly missing the upright.

Clifton put together some neat passing but found the Colwall defence solid. A fine attacking move by Colwall found Gemma Richards on the right whose cross was deflected in by Dehlia Farrow to deservedly take the lead.

Clifton responded well to force a succession of short corners and equalised with a shot through a crowd of players. Colwall were in determined mood though and went ahead again when Cathy Clements' pass found Farrow again who slammed the ball home for 2-1.

Clifton applied pressure after the break and equalised within five minutes of the restart with a well placed shot.

Both sides tried to break the deadlock with some excellent passing but with the game entering the last five minutes the visitors appeared to have settled for a point. Colwall went flat out for a win and in a dramatic ending Colwall were awarded a short corner just as the umpire blew for full time. Polly Bounds hit an unstoppable shot with the last strike of the game to snatch victory.