Ambleside Ladies Hockey Club defeated Kendal Ladies' Seconds 3-1 in an entertaining clash on a warm Saturday afternoon at Kirkbie Kendal School.

Both teams have gone with youth this season, while the main aim has been to develop the youngsters in a competitive North West Hockey league.

The game started at a fairly even pace, with both sides working their way into the contest, however Kendal struck the first blow and opened the scoring with a well taken goal.

Ambleside battled back and were soon level when Karen Barker found herself with time and space in the D before slotting the ball past the keeper.

The home team spurred on by the goal penned Kendal back and created further opportunities through Lucy Dixon and Jess Young.

Kendal always looked a threat and continued to work hard with Jo Elleray setting up various attacks on the Ambleside defence.

Ambleside went 2-1 ahead following a good attacking move, before a clinical pass across the D fell to Lucy Dixon who slotted the ball home.

The hosts suffered a setback midway through the first half when Jess Young twisted her ankle while the temperatures continued to rise as both teams struggled in the heat.

Ambleside made a positive start to the second half, while Kendal always looked dangerous when they had possession.

However Ambleside struck the decisive blow after quick play in the attacking area caught Kendal off guard before Katie Sanders prodded the ball past the Kendal keeper.

Kendal kept going and created further opportunities, while Ambleside always looked dangerous, however with the heat making conditions harder for both sides, Ambleside saw the game out as they picked up the crucial win.

On Sunday, Ambleside's Seconds picked up a 2-1 win over Kendal's Third team.

Ambleside travel to Dalston on Saturday in their penultimate league game before finishing their season away to Ulverston on Saturday 8 April.

Kendal are away to Carlisle this Saturday in what is their last game of the season.