Ladies 3rd XI Vs Teign 3

Teign Ladies 3rds - 4                                             Okehampton Columbines 3rds - 0   

The scoreline very much flattered Teign but it was always going to be a tall order for Okehampton to win on a day when they could only field ten players with several making their debuts in the team. But they can be proud of the way they played, taking the game to Teign and largely playing the better hockey.

Izzy Rowlands had a tremendous first half, covering the centre of the pitch and working the right-hand side where they were a man short.  Okehampton turned the screw early on with quick passing and good use of the flanks.  Lois Rowlands, at left back, picked up the ball cleanly with positive tackling, passing wide to debutante, Emma Pike, who used her skills to link up well with her two forwards, Sarah Bazeley and Alex Collins.  When a move broke down, Columbines would find a way to switch the attack to the right with Izzy Rowlands hitting several crosses into the circle where the goalie rescued Teign on a number of occasions. 

Despite creating the better chances, Okehampton were caught out by two well taken strikes from the edge of the circle and a penalty, none of which Okehampton goal keeper, Carol Newcombe, had a chance of saving, giving Teign a 3-0 lead at half time.

The visitors kept going with a spirited second half.  More of the play was coming through the middle as Sandy Houston pushed out from the back and with player of the match, Ligaya Coatham, having an influential game with her runs through the middle of the pitch.  Sarah Bazeley was unlucky not to score when the goalkeeper somehow scrambled the ball off the goalline.  It was end to end stuff now with Carol Newcombe making some good saves and Donna Shayler, having her first game for the 3rds, playing a calm and efficient game at right back. Teign kept a player high in the penalty circle and Okehampton were further undone when they were caught out by a long ball whilst they were searching for an elusive goal of their own.  Okehampton continued to press but it was just not going to be their day despite a sterling performance.