A DEPLETED Olton Ladies were edged out 2-1 by Exeter University-based Isca in Conference West.
Despite having four players missing for the final game before the two-month break from outdoor hockey, Olton actually started brightly and took the lead in the 13th minute.
Kat Berns was on hand to deflect home from Kerry Thompson-Moore’s initial shot.
The lead lasted 20 minutes before Isca equalised.
Olton then found themselves 2-1 behind prior to the hour mark and that was how the scoreline stayed at the full-time whistle.
There were better fortunes for the Olton men’s squad who got the better of Oxford Hawks 4-3 in Conference West.
Olton raced into a 2-0 lead after just five minutes, with Pete Jackson and Harry Sherlock getting on the scoresheet.
However, Hawks pulled one back in the 12th minute before restoring parity five minutes later.
Olton then retook the lead on the stroke of half-time, with Jackson bagging his second goal of the game.
Hawks drew level once again 17 minutes into the second period but Olton had the last say as Edwin Waters fired in the fourth to secure the points for the hosts.
