Ladies 3rd XI Vs Torbay 2

OKE LADIES 3RD TEAM 1    TORBAY LADIES 2ND TEAM 1

 The mid table hockey clash saw both teams on equal points in the Petroc 2 League so it had the prospect of a tough match.

The game started in heavy drizzle but the weather soon deteriorated to torrential rain and wind which was influential on the quality of the game.  A slippery surface coupled with wet sticks meant both teams found it hard to play with their usual form.  The teams battled hard creating end to end hockey with some sharp interceptions and quick passes.  Oke had to do some quick thinking when central defender Rachel Hammett had to leave the pitch due to injury but Sophie Mugliston took over the role organising her players well.

Both teams had equal amounts of possession and goal scoring chances but it was Torbay who thought they had broken the deadlock when they found the back of the Oke net.  Luckily for Oke the eagle eyed umpire had spotted that the shot on goal came from a Torbay foot rather than the stick so the goal was disallowed.

The second half saw the pitch beginning to hold the rain water and so affecting the ball speed.  Oke continued to attack at every opportunity with Player of the Match Izzy Rowlands working tirelessly to tackle, intercept and push forward.  Oke’s pressure was rewarded by a penalty corner which Sophie Tripp converted to give Oke the lead.

Torbay retaliated immediately pushing their players forward and forcing the Oke Keeper to make some crucial saves.  Torbay created an overload of players in the Oke circle making it hard to man mark and their clever tactics found them an equalizing goal.

Despite several attempts from both teams to find a winning goal the game finished in a 1-1 draw.

Next Saturday Oke 3rd team play away against ISCA 5