WELLINGTON Wildcats Ladies endured a stormy afternoon in every sense as they fell 4–2 away to Banwell Ladies in Division One of the Somerset Women’s League.

Banwell seized control early on, striking twice in the opening eight minutes. Playing away in torrential rain and relentless winds, the Wildcats struggled to find their rhythm on a slick, windswept pitch and were further punished when the hosts added a third before the interval.

Trailing 3–0 at half-time, Wellington faced a steep uphill battle against both the weather and a confident Banwell side. Their challenge grew even tougher during the break when injuries forced changes: Emily Ayers and Grayson Kennard were both unable to continue, prompting a defensive reshuffle.

Soon after the restart, Banwell capitalised to extend their advantage to 4–0 .Despite the setbacks, Wildcats refused to fold. Goalkeeper Bianca Hamlyn kept the scoreline in check with two excellent saves while, at the other end, Wellington began to create meaningful chances. Leah Morrell came agonisingly close to sparking a fightback when her powerful drive thundered against the crossbar.

On 77 minutes, debutant Tash Hole pounced on a loose ball to score her first competitive goal for the club. Just six minutes later, Hole struck again, coolly finishing a flowing move to give Wellington real hope of an unlikely turnaround.

Wildcats Player of the Match, sponsored by Mundy Veneer, went to Robyn Stockman, who ran tirelessly from the first whistle to the last.

With positives to draw from a testing afternoon, Wildcats will look to carry that second-half spirit into their match.

Wildcats: Bianca Hamlyn, Grayson Kennard, Emily Ayers, Tenika Goss, Grace Winter, Robyn Stockman, Charlotte Ayers, Georgia Purdy, Leah Morrell, Milly Howe, Tash Hole. Subs (all used): Jess Regan, Chloe Payne, Imogen Edmondston-Low.

Wildcats are without a game this coming weekend.