Ladies 3rd XI Vs Dawlish

OKEHAMPTON LADIES 3RD TEAM 1   DAWLISH LADIES  0

Oke Ladies 3rd team were prepared for a tough fixture against the strong Dawlish Ladies team.

Oke’s game plan was to play attacking hockey and force Dawlish back to defend.  Oke won the toss and Viv Weatherington attacked from the start with right wing Annie Strawbridge using her blistering speed to pressurise the Dawlish defence.  Dawlish had some very experienced players who blocked several attempts on goal and were quick to turn the ball over in to attacking play for the away team

Oke’s midfielders Hannah Whiteley and Rochelle Woollacott were quick to close down the Dawlish players and Vice Captain Sarah Marvin played a disciplined game man marking the dominant Dawlish midfielder who was the team’s playmaker.

The Dawlish right wing was very nippy but Oke’s Sophie Mugliston used her speed and tackling skill to keep her away from the Oke circle.

Just before half time Dawlish stepped up a gear and Oke’s central defender Joey Drake made several crucial tackles and interceptions to prevent Dawlish from goal scoring chances.

With a goal-less first half both teams had everything to play for in the second half which led to exciting end to end hockey.  Oke’s attackers Sophie Tripp and Sarah Bazeley tried hard to penetrate the oppositions defensive guard forcing the Dawlish goalie to make several saves.

When Dawlish gained possession they moved the ball quickly up the pitch but Oke defender Lois Rowlands stepped up to intercept several attacking moves.

It was Oke who broke the deadlock when Player of the Match Emilia Bazeley gained possession in midfield and accurately passed the ball to Sarah Marvin.  She saw Sandy Houston in space at the top of the circle and placed a well timed pass for Sandy to hammer past the Keeper.

Dawlish fought back determined to equalise but a heroic diving save from Oke’s keeper Lucy Wiseman ensured her team came away with the points.