Okehampton Ladies firsts 4
Dartmouth Ladies 0
THIS hockey fixture is usually a closely fought match so Okehampton were mentally and physically prepared for a hard game.
Okehampton took control from the start with penetrating attacking moves from Kim Davey and Jo Moppett. They dodged and weaved around the Dartmouth defence but the keeper was both quick and clever and thwarted their goal scoring chances. Okehampton's inside forwards Viv Weatherington and Sarah Jones picked up any loose ball outside the Dartmouth circle and fed their goalscoring forwards quality passes. Jo Moppett capitalised on one to these passes by slotting the ball past the Dartmouth keeper to give Okehampton the lead.
Dartmouth retaliated and their fast forwards launched an attack down the right side of the pitch. Jane Jones and Sandy Douglas, defending on the left for Okehampton, worked well together preventing any shots on goal. Carol Taylor defended well at centre half making several decisive tackles to prevent Dartmouth from advancing through the middle.
Okehampton continued to play a fast flowing game and they were rewarded with a second goal when captain Alex Collins picked up a rebound from the goalie's pads and found the back of the Dartmouth net.
After an inspiring half time talk Oke were determined to capitalise on their lead.
A couple of minutes into the second half vice-captain Jo Moppett had a dazzling individual run dodging the Dartmouth defence, drawing the keeper and popping a reverse stick shot into the goal. Dartmouth fought back but tight marking from Rachel Hammet and swift interceptions from defender Debbie Pritchard closed down the Dartmouth attack. Determined to put their name on the score sheet Dartmouth pressurised the Okehampton circle and were rewarded with several penalty corners. Okehampton's talented keeper Sophie Whiteley showed her skill by saving several aerial shots on goal.
Sarah Jones had an outstanding second half for Okehampton, dropping back to defend when under pressure and swiftly changing to attacking play, linking well with team mates Jo Moppett and Kim Davey. It was Davey who created Oke's final goal winning the ball on the right side of the pitch and then hitting a perfectly placed cross in front of the Dartmouth goal for Alex Collins to hit home.
Eve Colton, playing in her first league game for the club, was the rolling substitute and showed good ball skill and positive play.
Player of the match: Kim Davey.
Next week's league game is at Penzance against Morgarrows.