Okehampton Columbines Ladies' hockey 2

Dart 5

OKEHAMPTON travelled to Ivybridge to play Dart in their first league fixture of the season. It was also their first match in the top league.

Okehampton started strongly and for the first ten minutes dominated with some well co-ordinated attacks.

Dart's first goal seemed unfortunate; Okehampton's goalie and a Dart forward were down on the ground and a fierce strike at goal was dangerous but, in the confusion, effective.

Dart settled to show they were fast, hard and with well practised tactics that could cut through Okehampton's defence.

Okehampton are testing new positioning this season. They have been used to winning and this was good experience for identifying ways to improve. Jane Jones had another excellent game at left half blocking through balls, feeding the attack, striking at goal and backing up her fellow players.

At half-time the score was 3-0 to Dart and both teams were finding the heat trying. Jo Moppett and Jo Drake made several dangerous breakthroughs.

Okehampton were frustrated as the score did not reflect the balance of play and Sophie Whiteley, playing her usual high standard in goal, was getting bruised as several times she was brought to the ground.

The score moved to 4-0 and Okehampton's spirits were raised when Jo Moppett shook off defenders to score off a short corner.

A desperate fight on Okehampton's goal-line led to a penalty flick and Dart's fifth goal.

Okehampton came back with another when Moppett scored at a difficult angle with a reverse stick strike.

Okehampton clearly have the skills and spirit to raise their game and beat teams at this level and should not be crestfallen at this first minor setback. Okehampton play Plym Valley ll at home next Saturday with push off at 2.30pm.

Okehampton Ladies 2nds 0

Plymouth University 2nds 1

THE Plymouth and District League have amalgamated last year's two small divisions into one larger division.  This means more matches for Okehampton Ladies 2nds, but, as they were in the second division last season, they will face some tough opponents this season.

The young team faced their first testing game last Sunday. Undaunted by the strong and fit Uni team, the Okehampton girls played with determination. From the early stages they attacked the Uni goal with searing runs from Lottie Trerise on the left wing and repeated goal scoring chances from Sophie Cunnington on the right wing.  The Uni defence was solid, marking centre forward Grace Thorp tightly.

The Uni team attacked strongly but outstanding tackling and distribution from captain Sarah Jones cut out many Uni attacking moves. Vice-captain Sophie Whiteley, playing left half, made decisive clearances from deep in defence.

Plym Uni's goal came after a scrappy goalmouth scuffle and, despite magnificent goalkeeping by Jo Moppett, the Uni attackers popped the ball into the back of the goal.

Okehampton came straight back, forcing several attacking penalty corners but they could not convert these into goals.

Okehampton player of the match was 14 year old Brieze Read who showed her versatlity by looking dangerous in attack and solid in defence.  And Nat Dennis' game has improved tremendously this season.

This Sunday the 2nd team play away to Tavistock 2nd team in the P&D league at Kelly College at noon.