Okehampton Columbines 1

Mannamead Ladies 4

OKEHAMPTON Ladies entered this match following a long gap created by snow and frost of both practices and matches.

They started well against a well-crafted attacking Mannamead first team. The Plymouth side had several tactics in which their speed and clear understanding of their team made them dangerous.

Stalwart defending by Okehampton kept them at bay with omnipresent inners Jo Moppett and Viv Weatherington supporting the attack and defence.

A classy run along the back line by Mannamend's right wing was followed by an accurate cross, well picked up by the waiting centre to wrong-foot Okehampton and put Mannamead one up.

Okehampton kept steady and the forwards made a break-through which ended in a frantic fight in the circle and Jo Moppett equalised by lifting the ball over the goalie.

The game continued with some good hockey being played by both sides.

Injuries still beset the Okehampton team and so Sarah Jones had her first match playing left wing, with a brief cameo by captain Jenny Humphry.

Rachel Hammett had a great game at left back, several times taking the ball off Mannamead and feeding the attack. Finally however Mannamead's speed, accurate and organised passing paid off and before the end of the first half they were 3-1 up.

Okehampton retained their cool and remained dangerous. Highlights were Louise Weller startling Mannamead with some incredibly fast moves that left Mannamead standing startled and without the ball; Hannah Whiteley fighting down the right wing wing right to the goal-mouth; Jo Moppett weaving through packs of players and Alex Collins snapping past player after player in attack.

Despite all the individual good play, Okehampton, its weight in defence, could not make its attacks count and finally Mannamead got their fourth goal.

Okehampton never gave up though and a lovely ball through to Sarah Jones from the ever cool Carol Taylor was crossed to Jo Moppett for a strike which came within inches of letting Okehampton score in the dying seconds.

• It was a good game which left Okehampton positive for their next match away on Saturday against Dartmouth.