AMBLESIDE Ladies kept their winning run intact before enjoying their annual festive break when they travelled to Kirkby Stephen and emerged with a hard-earned 3-2 win.

In a closely-fought game, Ambleside got off to a slow start and Kirkby Stephen took full advantage, scoring from a quick break.

Amanda Faulkner levelled the scores for Ambleside by successfully converting a penalty stroke only for Kirkby to again go ahead, this time following a dubious penalty-corner award.

After a half-time reshuffle, Ambleside produced excellent hockey with Faulkner working well with Nina Belk up front to grab her second goal of the game

Tireless work from Hazel Jones on the left wing was also rewarded when she fired home to five Ambleside a 3-2 victory.

Kendal Ladies saw off the past year in style with a confidence-boosting 2-1 victory over Cumbria League side Keswick in a friendly at their Queen Katherine School base.

Kendal blooded quite a few youngsters and almost everyone played out of position, which made it an even more heartening result, but they had to come back from behind to secure the spoils.

Julie Ashworth played out of goal for the first time with sister Barbara taking over and she made a good save before half time to keep them in the contest.

Kendal reshuffled at the break and the changes were rewarded when Julie Ashworth scored the equaliser and Sarah Baron completed the fightback with a fine winning strike.

It was a spirited effort, with short-corner routines and set pieices working well, and set the right note for their next action at home to Ulverston on Saturday week.