Gerrard Hockey League
South Central District 1
OPMs A 0
Okehampton 5
KEEN to continue and develop their new system Okehampton made steady progress in the early part of the game. Playing into a stiff breeze they weathered early pressure from OPMs.
Stout defence from sweeper Colin Lethbridge ensured they rarely entered Okehampton's 25-yard area. Wing backs, Darren Phare and Keith Webber, along with David Dennis in the centre of defence played high up the pitch, forcing play back into the home team's half.
The tide of pressure turned when Okehampton capitalised on some impressive interplay through the middle. Simon Bourne linked well with Mark Parsons to see the away side take a lead midway through the half.
Fearing a swift reprisal, the midfield tightened up and more pressure resulted in Mike Reynolds striking a shot with real venom and accuracy into the top corner of the goal.
In the second half Okehampton built on their lead with Richard Jones catching the defence unawares. Phil Mellor was rewarded with a deserved goal that put Okehampton 4-0 ahead.
The determination for the team to continue to score was reflected when inspirational commitment by Simon Bourne resulted in a yellow card. Not to be outdone, John Cross who had a positive influence on the game, was unlucky to receive the same punishment from the umpire shortly afterwards.
John Jarvis at left back in the second half provided positive out balls for the hungry Ollie Tallowin in midfield, who herocially carried on, despite a ferocious bruise below his knee sustained from a ball.
Okehampton rounded up the game in some style, with man of the match Jones breaking through midfield and coolly drawing the keeper to slot the ball into the net for a 5-0 victory.
Captain Nick Keerley had a quiet game in goal, thanks to an all round positive performance from the players infront of him.
Okehampton meet Tavistock A this weekend.