COLWALL and Malvern were pipped 3-2 at mid-table rivals Newent seconds in West Clubs Women’s League Severn Division One.

Both teams applied attacking pressure in an end-to-end encounter.

The youthful visitors had the legs to keep going forward and they broke the deadlock.

Melinda Bennett found Becky Lewis wide on the right and she drove down the line before firing a cross into the ‘D’, which Lucy Matthews finished with a calm strike into the far corner.

The goal spurred Newent on and their improved passing allowed them to create an equaliser just before half-time.

Play was again end-to-end in the second period but this time Newent took the lead after upping the pressure. Colwall and Malvern pressed high in reply and the ball found India Vance to tap in the equaliser on her debut.

Erica Abbey and Katy Langley created several more chances but Colwall and Malvern were unable to take the lead.

The missed opportunities cost them as the ball went straight down the other end and was put away by a Newent forward. Newent climbed a point above their local rivals into fifth position as a result.

Colwall and Malvern seconds’ Division Three game was called off due to a frozen pitch.

The firsts host Bourton and Sherborne tomorrow at Malvern College (10am) and the seconds visit Lansdown thirds at Cheltenham Bournside School (3.30pm).

Meanwhile, Newent firsts are fifth in Premier Division 2A after a 5-0 romp at lowly Swanage and Wareham.

The thirds top Severn Division Three and beat Blockley seconds 5-1.

In men’s hockey, Newent are second in Davis Wood League Conference North after a 2-0 win at Firebrands A.

The A team lost 4-1 to Hereford A in The Marches Division One.