Ladies 2nd XI Vs dart 2

Okehampton Ladies Columbines Hockey II v Dart II

0:5

Storm Hannah gathered pace during the match affecting movement of the ball and visibility for both sides when. Okehampton seconds travelled to Totnes. Okehampton started well putting Dart under considerable pressure for the first ten minutes. It was hot work in the circle with Zoe Curtis leading the attack from the centre ably supported by Rachel Adams and Emma Wiseman.

Dart’s discipline and team work came into play and with sharp passing they wrong footed the Okehampton defence to score their first goal. Okehampton responded well and again put Dart under pressure with the midfield, dominated by the omnipresent Jane Jones (player of the match), whacking the ball into Dart’s circle creating opportunities and several short corners.

Dart concentrated the play on their right wing and it was the skilful and brave work of Emilia Bazeley and the indefatigable Elsa Frangleton playing intelligently  that prevented many an attack coming to fruition. Emilia took several blows but normally won through to feed Okehampton’s attack. Okehampton got close to scoring, with more than one strike hitting the goal post, but none crossed that vital white line.

Dart’s next goal was indicative of a difference in the teams – they sped onto every ball and virtually took the ball off the stick of the Okehampton defence to push it over for their second goal. Play kept getting pinned down in Okehampton’s defensive left corner and it was hard to get the ball clear. There were several notable break-outs however and Okehampton were unlucky not to score. Two more goals, one off a short corner, put Dart four goals ahead at half time.

The start of the second half was marred by captain Anna Luxton being forced to leave the field through injury, Dart got their fifth goal but then Okehampton seemed to get their measure. Closer marking largely frustrated Dart’s efforts and the game was much more even. At one point the excellent Lesley Bingham, having made several strikes slipped on the untrustworthy surface but continued to try to score from the ground. Unfortunately while within millimetres of crossing the line, the attacks efforts were still unsuccessful. The whistle went with the home side five goals up.

Okehampton Ladies II are next playing at home to Exe IV on 23 March starting at 14.00.