THE annual Blockley tournament took place earlier this month to knock the cobwebs of the sticks in preparation for the winter season.

Bretforton, as always, went along to join in the fun and make it a social event for the club members to talk over the summer league events. A laid back approach saw them scrape through to the semi-finals for a game against the hosts and it was then that they decided they had better try and concentrate.

Both teams had opportunities to take the lead but excellent goalkeeping kept the scoreline blank and the result had to be decided by penalty flicks when Bretforton's up and coming goalkeeping star, Fiona Jordan, came up trumps.

She saved two out of four flicks to put her team through to the final along with the help of the four flicks that her teammates placed safely into the net.

Evesham were the final opponents and, with nothing to lose the team played some well-linked, unpredictable hockey but yet again the end result was goalless deadlock.

Extra-time was announced and both teams set to it again for five minutes each way. When the captain was given the chance she didn't let her side down finding the target safely.

It was seventh heaven for the club's senior squad last Saturday when they hammered Shipston 7-1.

Gilly Wright, Lisa Workman and Sophie Corbett all found the net twice, while Jane Wheeler started the rout with the opener.

The next morning, Bretforton travelled to Cheltenham and, fielding a newly for med second team, they continued their successful start to the new campaign.

Kate Mitchell scored twice after Sue Harper had set the ball rolling. Corbett found the net for her side's fourth to complete an excellent result and a winning weekend.

Bretforton host their tournament at the village sports club on Saturday when two home teams will face competition from Blockley, Bidford, Campden and Bourton-on-the-Water in a round-robin event from 11.30am.

All spectators are welcome. There will be bar facilities, refreshments and a raffle.

The junior section start training for the new season on Wednesday evenings between 7 and 8pm at Evesham HS.

Young players between nine and 13 are invited to come and join in. For more information contact Sophie Corbett on 01789 763081 or just turn up ready to have some fun and meet new people.