Ladies 2nd XI Vs Torbay

OKEHAMPTON 2ND TEAM 1       TORBAY 1ST TEAM 1

Oke Ladies 2nd team travelled to South Devon on Saturday to face Torbay 1st team who were just two points ahead of them in the Petroc 1 league.

Oke were looking for points to take them out of the relegation zone so they were hoping this could be their chance to secure a win.  Torbay were equally determined to win which led to a fast paced, tough encounter.

Both teams pounced on any loose ball and quick movement off the ball was essential to gain possession.  Oke’s Louise Weller and Annie Strawbridge were sharp in midfield making Torbay fight for the ball and pressuring them into making mistakes.  Wings Emma Wiseman and Elsa Frangleton used their speed to penetrate the home team defence but also tracked back to support the defence when Torbay attacked.

The first half saw high speed, end to end hockey with both teams having to defend resolutely and quick change into attacking play when possession was gained. Oke were unlucky to be caught pushing up the field when Torbay made a sudden break which resulted in a 1-0 lead for the home team.

Oke came out dead set on scoring goals in the second half. Wing backs Sophie Mugliston and Debbie Pritchard pushed up the pitch giving their team a strong platform from which to attack.  Oke’s perseverance and commitment paid off when Player of the Match Zoe Curtis received the ball from midfield and sped into the Torbay end before putting a powerful cross in front of the Torbay goal. A defender deflected the ball but Louise Weller pounced on it and coolly slotted it into the back of the net for an equaliser.

The pace of the game went up a notch as both teams looked for a winning goal.  Defenders Carol Taylor and captain Anna Luxton tackled strongly for Oke but it was goalie Ella Kaye whose athletic goalkeeping kept her team in the game.

Despite goal scoring chances for both teams the stalemate could not be broken resulting in a 1-1 draw and one league point for both teams.

Next Saturday Oke 2nd team play at home at 2pm against Sidmouth and Ottery.