Marjons 2 5
Okehampton Columbines 2
THIS was a disappointing result for Okehampton ladies hockey team.
They held their own in the first half, and were just beginning to have the edge over the opposition when the whistle blew for half-time.
Marjons scored first when they pounced on a defensive slip by Okehampton, but Columbines settled and showed good team play to mount a sustained attack.
Weaving runs from Jo Moppett on the right wing and her resulting crosses troubled the Marjons? defence, but Okehampton did not score until just before half-time, when Sue Stanbury blasted in the equaliser.
An injury forced centre forward Kelly Cooper to withdraw at half-time, with Claire Smith having a good shot at playing out of position on the right wing ad Moppett moving into the centre.
The changes, though, affected the balance of the team and Okehampton conceded two quick goals, making it difficult for them to get back into the game.
The forwards pushed up with Jo Stephens making darting runs from the middle and Debbie Pritchard and Alex Collin supporting strongly at left and right half.
But this left them vulnerable to the breakaway attack. Sharon Stephens made some fine saves, but she was left too isolated and Okehampton conceded two more goals, one from a harsh penalty.
They eventually scored again when a well-taken corner by Moppett set up Viv Wetherington to deflect the ball into goal.
This week Okehampton are away at Totnes to play Chudleigh.