Kingsbridge and Salcombe  ladies 0

Okehampton ladies 3

IN their last match between the two, Okehampton won 8-2 but this time, in humid conditions, Kingsbridge played lively fluid hockey which was fast and well thought through. 

The pitch was bouncy and high flying balls were frequent.  Their attacks kept Okehampton on the back foot.  Their number 12 and player of the match marked Jo Moppett very effectively and in essence the first half was largely the Okehampton defence keeping the ball out of their half.

The hard work of Carol Taylor, Netty Collette and Sandy Douglas with some superb saves from Sophie Whiteley (voted player of the match by Kingsbridge) stopped Kingsbridge from scoring.  While it was often a close run thing, the key challenge was keeping the ball and feeding the attack.

Superb runs by Jo Moppett were all blocked without result.  The second forward, Viv Weatherington worked incredibly hard but was increasingly called into defence.  Midfield had Jane Jones showing stamina and determination to frequently block the swift passing and run throughs of Kingsbridge.

The deadlock continued well into the second half.  The injuries of Sandy Douglas and Louise Weller limited the scope of their play but showed their determination on the left field which took the brunt of the action.

It was Oke's stamina that won the day.  As the play swayed back and forth the ball finally began to favour the visitors and in the last 15 minutes Okehampton scored three times.  After around 20 defensive short corners it was Okehampton who scored from a short corner by Jo Moppett.

Viv Weatherington then made that vital finishing touch from a pass from Jo Moppett for Oke's second.  Player of the match Jo Moppet scored the third with an exhilarating run past all the Kingsbridge defence and around the goalie to finish. Okehampton left the field exhausted but victorious against a good spirited Kingsbridge side.