Ladies 3rd XI Vs sidmouth&ottery 3

Oke Ladies 3rd team 2  Ottery and Sidmouth 3rd team 0

Oke Ladies 3rd team travelled to Ottery on Saturday for their first league game of the season.

The Oke team comprised of several young players new to league hockey mixed with some older, more experienced players.

Initially Oke played cautiously but soon realised that they needed to be more positive.  Confidence grew and the visitors began to pass the ball around the pitch using Sophie Mugliston and Eleanor Marvin on the wings to attack.

In the first half the game was evenly matched with some end to end hockey.  Man of the Match Joey Drake organised the Oke defence well with full backs Lois Rowlands and Emilia Bazeley making some crucial tackles.  Midfielder Lucy Wiseman worked tirelessly creating a fluid link between the defence and attack.

Just before half time Oke piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a penalty corner.  Unfortunately Sandy Houston’s direct strike was disallowed giving a goaless first half.

Oke played the second half enthusiastically with some sharp interceptions by Izzy Rowlands leading to them pressurising the Ottery circle.  Oke were awarded a series of penalty corners from which they took the lead with a well worked team goal which Viv Weatherington finished by tapping the ball past the keeper.

Ottery were soon on the counter attack but strong clearances from Oke goalie Ella Kaye prevented them from scoring.  Oke were the fitter team giving them the advantage towards the end of the game.  They sealed the match with another goal from a penalty corner which Jane Jones put into the back of the net from a clean strike.