Oke Columbines 3
Torbay Ladies 4
THE visitors dominated the first half of this hockey match, scoring within five minutes as Okehampton still tried to settle. Torbay then scored off a short corner.
The speed of their forwards and halves at interception blocked many of Okehampton's key moves. It was determined play which at times could get a little fractious; with both sides fighting for possession and moving fast there was some physicality. This led to one Torbay unfortunately having to leave the field injured following a collision.
Oke created several good chances for goals; Jo Drake, player of the match, was particularly effective mid-field in picking up the ball and circulating it to where it had the best chance of getting through. Lesley Bingham, Jo Moppett and Kim Davey created opportunities for Okehampton but the ball just would not cross that line. Torbay got their third goal with one that travelled in at knee height and at a tight angle around the keeper.
In the second half there was tighter marking but Torbay's speed onto the ball and then movement left Okehampton often feeling as if it were holding a tiger by the ears. When Oke used its right wing there was more space. A superb pass up the line on the right from Viv Weatherington was picked up by Lesley Bingham and neat passing with Kim Davey led to Jo Moppett getting Okehampton's first goal.
Okehampton then found new vigour and Lesley Bingham scored their second goal. Tight marking in the Oke circle was deemed to block a shot at goal and Torbay scored off the ensuing penalty flick.
The Columbines did not give up as the game increased in intensity. A high strike at the Okehampton goal was stopped above head height by the swift reaction of goalie Sophie Whiteley. Jo Moppett finally got the goal her hard work and skill deserved to bring the score to 3-4. Now on top form, Oke could not crack Torbay's lead before the final whistle blew.