Ladies 3rd XI Vs Dart 3

OKE LADIES 3rd TEAM 2              DART LADIES 3rd TEAM 2

After an enforced break last week due to the snow, Oke 3rd team were raring to go in this home fixture against Dart 3.

Both teams comprised of a mixture of older, experienced players and younger players just starting league hockey so they were hoping for a competitive encounter.

Oke won the toss and attacked from the start with Hannah Whiteley, returning from injury, pushing forward and pressurising the Dart defence.  Emilia Bazeley and Sophie Mugliston worked hard in midfield, dropping back to defend but switching quickly to attack when they gained possession.

Oke’s first goal came when Captain Jane Jones intercepted the ball in midfield and swiftly moved up the pitch before passing the ball to Sandra Houston who was perfectly placed in the Dart circle to crack the ball past the keeper into the net.

Dart retaliated by attacking in numbers and pressurising the Oke circle.  Despite strong tackling from Joey Drake and Lisa May, Dart’s determination resulted in a goal from a goal-mouth scuffle.

With the score equal at half time there was everything to play for.  Lois Rowlands and daughter Izzy, both playing in defence, stepped up the field to intercept the ball and cut out several attacking moves from Dart.  There was a period of end to end hockey as both teams pushed to take the lead but it was Dart who broke the deadlock and took a 2-1 lead.  Dart were looking to increase the gap between the teams but outstanding goal keeping from Oke’s player of the Match Ella Kaye kept the gap to just one goal.

Oke stepped up a gear with some searing runs from Annie Strawbridge and Sophie Tripp on the wings penetrating the Dart defence.  Sandy Houston and Sarah Bazeley had several shots on goal but strong goalkeeping from Dart denied them the equaliser.

Oke’s work rate increased piling on the pressure in their quest for an equaliser.  They were rewarded when Hannah Whiteley crossed the ball in front of the Dart goal and Eleanor Marvin coolly slotted the ball past the keeper and gave the Oke team the draw they deserved.

Next week Oke 3rd team play away against Teign 3rd team