COLWALL and Malvern edged their home clash with Newent seconds 1-0 in West Clubs Women’s League Severn Division One.

But the visitors settled the quickest, winning several penalty corners in the opening minutes.

The home defence stood firm and excellent saves from keeper Heidi Barlow, along with strong tackling from sweeper Sammie Shail, kept Newent’s attackers out.

Colwall and Malvern found renewed confidence and soon created several chances of their own but neither side could make a breakthrough.

The home side began the second-half on the attack and determined running from Becky Lewis and the creative skills of Kerry Tudge were soon making further chances.

Erica Abbey and Louise Kalogeras were unlucky not to score on several occasions.

Midway through the second period, Colwall and Malvern scored the only goal.

A free hit was awarded on the left and Melinda Bennett took it quickly to find Lewis on the opposite wing.

Her strong run and cross was eventually put away by Kalogeras at the far post.

Newent pushed players forward to find an equaliser but the home defence still worked together to cap a fine display and result.

They host Lansdown seconds on Saturday.

Colwall and Malvern seconds lost 4-0 at Bourton and Sherborne thirds in Severn Division Three but played much better than in the last few weeks.

New players Chloe Williamson, Saffron Creswell and Millie Cooke all put in fine performances, while Jenny Parkes pulled off eye-catching saves.

Colwall and Malvern’s junior development sessions have restarted on Wednesday from 5.30pm until 6.30pm at Malvern College’s artificial pitch.

The senior ladies meet at the same venue from 7.30pm until 8.30pm.

Email cmhockey@hotmail.co.uk for details.

Meanwhile, Newent firsts are fourth in Premier Division 2A after a 5-1 home win over bottom-of-the-table Swanage and Wareham.

Newent thirds top Severn Division Three following a 3-0 win at Lansdown thirds.

In the Davis Wood Men’s League, Newent, who lost 2-1 at Whitchurch A, are sixth in Conference North.