Okehampton Columbines Firsts 4

Plym Valley Seconds 1

WITH a number of key players missing Okehampton Ladies faced Plym Valley Seconds with a change in their line-up of players, including the debut in the first team of Tara Davidson on the left wing and a helping hand up front from the second team in the form of Grace Thorpe, playing on her birthday.

Okehampton Ladies, being used to the wet and cold conditions of Dartmoor, soon got a handle on the game and right wing Kim Davey, using her normal determination, soon smacked the ball into the goal. The first half was dominated by Okehampton. Grace Thorpe played an excellent forward and along with forward Leslie Bingham created a number of opportunities in the D. These were not capitalised on until the home side were awarded a penalty corner and defender Jane Jones scored the second goal of the match. Okehampton continued to dominate the play but due to skilled goalkeeping by Plym Valley the score at half time remained at 2-0.

The second half started with a change in tactics by Plym Valley, causing the play to switch to the left hand side of the pitch. Tara Davidson took this opportunity to show her skilled tackling, intercepting a number of balls as Plym Valley tried to push forward. Left Half Alex Collins played a strong supporting role for Okehampton, always being in the right place at the right time. Plym Valley had more possession than they had in the first half enabling them to score a goal, however excellent defending by Debbie Pritchard, Sandy Douglas, and Jane Jones prevented much intrusion into the D.

Carol Taylor, playing centre marker, prevented runs through the centre and Okehampton demonstrated throughout their teamwork and fitness. Despite Plym Valley's best efforts Oke Ladies still dominated the game and worked hard to score more goals, Grace Thorpe again had a number of runs and opportunities, but just failed to get the ball past the keeper However Leslie Bingham was not to be thwarted and consolidated Oke's lead by scoring two more goals.

Player of the match: Alex Collins.

Okehampton Columbines next play on Saturday November 6, away to Tavistock.