Launceston ladies 4

Okehampton ladies’ thirds 2

OKEHAMPTON ladies’ third team travelled to Cornwall in what was expected to be a tough challenge as Launceston are several places higher than Oke in the league.

The Oke team were well prepared and in an attacking mood with Nicky Strawbridge pressing up from midfield supported by Viv Weatherington. They were thwarted by solid defending from the home team who then counterattacked forcing Oke’s centre back Joey Drake to organise her defence to mark tightly.

The remainder of the first half saw end to end hockey with both teams having goal scoring chances.

Unfortunately for Oke just before half time there was a scrappy goalmouth scuffle resulting in a Launceston goal.

Oke came out in the second half with renewed energy; swift passing play opened gaps in the Launceston defence, which Louise Watts pounced upon to score an equaliser.

A Launceston foot on the line when defending an Oke penalty corner resulted in a penalty flick being awarded. Oke’s Joey Drake coolly stepped forward and found the corner of the Launceston net only to have the goal disallowed for a foul shot.

This decision unsettled the Oke team and Launceston pounced on the chance to attack.

A goal for the home team from a penalty corner filled them with confidence and they attacked in numbers piling on the pressure. Despite some sensational saves from the Oke keeper Daisy Morgan, Launceston scored two more goals in quick succession. Oke regrouped and their fighting spirit shone through.

Right wing Ellie Shayler connected with Viv Weatherington to pass the ball around the Launceston players and lead the Oke attack. It was Zoe Curtis who scored Oke’s second goal when she found herself perfectly placed by the post to slot the ball into the side of the Launceston net.

In the final 15 minutes of the game Oke surged forward with Anna Luxton and Zoe Curtis pressing play up the left side of the pitch.

Oke’s dominant style led to several shots on goal but the agile Launceston keeper denied Okehampton the goals they deserved.