Ladies 3rd XI Vs Okehampton 2

OKEHAMPTON LADIES 2ND TEAM 4    OKEHAMPTON LADIES 3RD TEAM 1

In the last match of the Petroc Hockey league before Christmas there was a clash of the two Okehampton teams.

Oke 2nds were lying top of the table winning every game so far this season with the 3rd team lying a few places below them.

The first half of this good humoured game saw the teams evenly matched with the 3rds playing supportive team hockey with energy and determination.  They marked the key 2nd team players tightly to prevent them from playing their usual attacking game through the middle of the pitch.  Their plan was to play the ball wide so their young wing halves Eleanor Marvin, Emilia Bazeley, Annie Strawbridge and Izzy Rowlands could use their speed to attack down the wings.  The 2nds reacted quickly to this plan leading to exciting end to end hockey.

With no goals from either team at half time the large numbers of spectators knew they were in for a second half treat.  It was the 3rds who broke the deadlock when some sharp passing around the circle from Viv Weatherington found Molly Marvin perfectly placed on the far post to crack the ball into the corner of the 2nd’s net.

The 2nds then piled on the pressure and despite resolute defending by the 3rds they were awarded a penalty corner which Alex Collins converted into their equalising goal.  Their confidence soared and a shot from the top of the circle by Lucy Wiseman for the 2nds forced the 3rd’s Player of the Match, keeper Ella Kaye to clear the ball, but Elsa Frangleton used her speed and skill to pounce on the clearance and score to put her team ahead.

The third goal from the 2nds came from Nicky Strawbridge who dribbled the ball swiftly up the field manoeuvring the 3rd’s defence and creating the space to hammer the ball home.

The 3rds fought back passing the ball accurately around and pushing into the 2nds circle but Rachel Adams, Player of the Match for the 2nds, playing centre back, organised her defence to prevent them from conceding any more goals.

Rochelle Woollacott sealed the victory for the 2nnds when she scored their fourth and final goal.