Ladies 3rd XI Vs Dart 3

Dart 3rds – 1                                                       Okehampton 3rds – 4

Dart 3 are near the foot of the league but they put up a decent fight in this match giving the Okehampton defence plenty to do.  Because they came forward in numbers, it pinned Okehampton back making it difficult to find the pass out to set the forwards free. 

Sarah Bazeley had a strong game in an unfamiliar position at right back, pushing out to restrict the Dart left attack, with her counterpart, Lois Rowlands, battling hard on the left.  Once Lois and Eleanor Marvin developed confidence in their play, they linked up well and Eleanor was away down the left wing easily outpacing the Dart defence to bring the ball forward. With her speed and that of Anna Crome in the middle of the pitch, they completely cut open the Dart defence and Okehampton won a series of corners eventually leading to one being tucked away by a strong strike from Alex Collins from a rebound off the goalkeeper. 

Sarah Marvin as always worked hard in the middle of the pitch chasing down the opposition to regain possession, and Ligaya Coatham had another good game never stopping as she ran tirelessly up and down the right wing.

Jennie Humphry and Izzy Rowlands began to boss the midfield, getting the ball forward quickly into space for the forwards to run onto.  The second goal was a lovely team goal culminating in Alex Collins slipping the ball across to Anna Crome who slotted it neatly passed the goalkeeper.

To give Dart credit, they did not give up and a very well taken reverse stick strike made the score closer than the Columbines would have liked, leading to a few nervy moments.  The visitors allowed Dart back on to the attack and Carol Newman in goal had to be alert to see off some good efforts.  Sandra Houston gave another solid and dependable performance at sweeper and Okehampton steadied themselves and subjected the Dart goal to an onslaught.  Eventually Alex Collins bundled the ball over the line for Okehampton’s third and completed her hat trick in the dying moments of the match, deservedly earning her player of the match.

Next week Okehampton 3rds are at home against Torbay 2nds.