A SPECTACULAR chip by Alexis Tysler earned Colwall a 1-1 draw at high-flying Portishead Firebrands in the West Clubs Women's League Premier Division 1.

Tysler's fine finish was Colwall's reward for a fighting second-half display in which Polly Bounds and Nina Emery dominated the midfield and forced mistakes from the under-pressure hosts.

The first half was a different story, however, with the home team asserting their authority after an early Sue Williams cross caused panic in the Firebrands' defence.

Firebrands were particularly strong in midfield with Colwall defender Emma Twigg in outstanding form. However, the pressure told at the end of the first period when the home team scored a scrambled opener.

Hereford's poor start continued in the North Division when they slipped to a 2-1 reverse against BAC 1st in Bristol.

Although Hereford started promisingly, they fell behind to a well-struck shot and, despite good work from Ollie Linton and Clare Butler, the Bristol outfit extended their lead.

Hereford reduced the deficit through Emily Panniers near the finish, but they could not find an equaliser.

In-form Ross recorded a 5-1 win at home to basement club East Gloucester 2nd in Severn Division 1.

Pauline Hemmingway scored twice and Collette McQuaid also found the net as second-placed Ross opened up a 3-1 half-time advantage.

After the interval, Kate Cameron scored with an angled drive and McQuaid notched her second goal to complete the scoring. The visitors came back strongly at the finish, but they were met by some excellent Ross defending.

Laura Stubbs bagged a brace in Leominster's comfortable 4-0 home victory against Blockley in Severn Division 2.

Leominster took control from the start and, after a number of short corners, Sarah Beardsmore eventually broke the deadlock.

Stubbs slotted home the second after an excellent cross by Abi Thomas and Thomas grabbed the third goal in the second half.

Leominster's defence were then forced to work hard to repel Blockley pressure before Stubbs rounded off the scoring following a neat move.

Hereford 2nd also tasted success in Severn Division 2, defeating Wootton Bassett 2nd 4-1.

Goals from Lisa Handy (2), Ruth Winners and Di Feely saw off visiting Bassett, who had a player sent off in the first half.

Third-placed Colwall 2nd, who also compete in that section, beat Bourton Vale 3-0, inflicting the visitors' first defeat of the campaign.