Torquay ladies 4

Oke Columbines 5

THIS his first league game played at Torquay saw Okehampton under considerable pressure in the first 15 minutes.

Torquay, pushing down mainly on their right pressed Okehampton hard, and their persistence paid off with the first of their many short corners.

Stirling blocking by Jane Jones stopped them scoring. However, soon after Torquay's hard strike at goal was deflected at the last second by their left wing and so making it unstoppable for goalie Sophie Whiteley as it passed behind her.

Okehampton began to get into their stride and moved the play out across the field more evenly. This brought the ever dangerous Kim Davey into the game and, with some classy passing amongst Kim, Jo Moppett and Lesley Bingham, Kim soon evened the score.

This was followed up within minutes with a goal from Jo Moppett to take the score to 2-1 to Okehampton. Torquay began to fight furiously in the goalmouth but to no avail. Okehampton rallied and Lesley scored again for Okehampton. As these three goals were all scored in the space of five minutes it looked a little like a total collapse from Torquay. Oke went into half time 3-1 up.

Louise Weller, Alex Collins and Sophie Cunningham worked hard for Oke while left back Sandy Douglas fed the attack.

Torquay's right and their centre remained dangerous and finally they broke through to score their second goal after several long corners.

Okehampton then demonstrated some flexible play and team work and their growing trust and understanding, particularly between Jo Drake and Jane Jones. The team work of the three main attackers paid off again when Lesley Bingham got Okehampton's fourth goal.

Torquay forced some short corners; Sophie Whiteley cleared several but a deflected blasted saw Torquay score twice to equalise. Okehampton put the ball in the net but the goal was disallowed as the whistle had gone for a short corner.

The Columbines kept up the pressure and were rewarded with Jo Moppett scoring the winner in the dying minutes. Player of the match was Louise Weller.