Ladies 3rd XI Vs Sidmouth&Ottery4ths

Okehampton travelled to Sidmouth for an early morning start and found the Sidmouth weather rather calmer than stormy Okehampton.

Okehampton went into an early lead when Annie Strawbridge, on the right wing, surged into the S&O circle.  Despite an initial save from the goalkeeper, Annie’s persistence saw the ball over the line.  Although Okehampton looked marginally the better side, S&O competed well and Carol Newcombe in goal for the visitors had to make some smart saves to keep Oke’s slender lead intact at half-time.

The second half was a different story:  Okehampton dominated the midfield with Sarah Marvin in particular intercepting and picking up loose balls to deny S&O possession.   Their defence was well-organised – Sandy Houston made some wonderful clearances with her hard hits and long passes, ably supported by left and right backs, Lois Rowlands and Hannah Woodhams (player of the match), who snuffed out any threat from the wing players.

The second goal for Okehampton came this time with a move down the left-hand side started by influential centre back, Carol Taylor.  The ball was played into the D where it was picked up by Izzy Rowlands whose intelligent back pass found Viv Weatherington unmarked, giving the goalkeeper no chanced to save the resultant strike.

Once they were two goals up, Okehampton relaxed and played some good hockey, moving well and passing the ball accurately.  The two forwards, Izzy Rowlands and Sarah Bazeley, were excellent up-front creating space and using the ball to set up their supporting players.

Goal number 3 was the best of the four with sublime passing down the left-hand side.  Eleanor Marvin, who started the move on the half way line, sprinted into the circle and met the resulting pass sweetly to slam the ball into the far corner of the goal.

The visitors were now in full flow and attacking in waves.  Annie Strawbridge latched on to a ball fired into the circle and she again used her determination to force the ball past the outcoming goalkeeper for Oke’s fourth and final goal and a very well-deserved win.

Next week, Okehampton 3rds are at home to Dart 3rds.