Tavistock Ladies 3

Exeter Thirds 1

THIS friendly game of hockey opened with Tavistock going on the attack with good crosses from Jo Gaspar.

Emma White was quick to run into the D and take some shots at the keeper. The opposition were having trouble getting past the strong midfield play of Laura Stapleton, Gill Court, Sandra Collar and Zoe Viggers.

These four worked well together and distributed the ball out to Laura Armstrong who dribbled past the defence with the greatest of ease.

A few silly balls given to the opposition from Tavistock allowed Exeter to penetrate the 25-yard area. Fiona Dunn and Babs Horton were quick to intercept and clear without any problem.

The first goal came after Armstrong made a superb cross. Gaspar was quick to get on the end of it and slot it past the Exeter keeper.

Viggers had a good game at showing how strong her block tackling skills are and it was hard for the opposition to find any space to dribble into.

The opposition broke through for a shot on goal which keeper Emily Wilson was unable to save, despite making every effort to do so.

With a drive of determination, Tavistock picked the pace of the game up and it was not long before they were on the attack again. Lisa Butler worked well with Armstrong and White and all three players were battling for the rebound ball.

It was from a good ball from Butler that Armstrong scored the second goal with a reverse stick flick.

The second half of the game saw the midfield and defence of Tavistock really show their skills. Stapleton was strong and coupled with Collar who carried some excellent interceptions, the ball was always being fed to the forwards.

Horton and Dunn hassled players off the back line and Wilson made some excellent saves and kept a keen eye on the ball.

A couple of short corners were awarded against Tavistock but Dunn and Stapleton were too quick for the interception to take a clear strike. Butler had an open goal but unfortunately was knocked over by the keeper.

A penalty flick was awarded to Tavistock and Gaspar put it past the keeper to take the score to 3-1.

Tavistock: Emily Wilson, Babs Horton, Fiona Dunn (captain), Sandra Collar, Laura Stapleton, Gill Court, Zoe Viggers, Laura Armstrong, Lisa Butler, Emma White, Jo Gaspar.

This week Tavistock are away at Newquay against St Agnes in a league match.