Okehampton Columbines 4 Paignton 5 ANOTHER good performance from Okehampton in the Devon Plate on Sunday went unrewarded, although Paignton probably just deserved to win. There were sterling efforts from Okehampton?s young hockey players. Rachel Hammet made a promising debut at right back and Sarah Toms made a welcome return to the team with a strong game at right half. Okehampton?s fourth goal came from good interplay between the Columbine players, with Jo Stephens turning it in to set up an exciting final few minutes. Okehampton threw everything at Paignton, but were unable to get the all important equaliser. A special mention should go to Elaine Morgan and Richard Jones who gave up their time to umpire the match at short notice. Okehampton Columbines 0 Liskeard/Looe 1 OKEHAMPTON were fully committed and played a crisp passing game. Carol Taylor, standing in goal in the absence of a regular goalkeeper, had an excellent game and Elaine Morgan marshalled the defence to block out the Liskeard attack. Up front, the movement was good with the pace of Jo Stephens and Jo Moppett causing Liskeard all kinds of problems. Columbines were the stronger side in the first half, but Liskeard began to see more of the play. Nettie Collett and Sue Stanbury dominated the middle and were always eager to support the forwards in attack. Several good chances fell to the Columbines and they should have scored. They were cruelly punished when the ball deflected off an Okehampton stick in the final ten minutes to give Liskeard the three points. This week, Okehampton are away in the League to Bude. Okehampton Columbines 2nds 0 Plymouth University 3rds 3 OKEHAMPTON Columbines? second hockey team missed out after they pressed Plymouth to the last minute. Okehampton were two players down in the opening minutes, but maintained possession and kept the ball out of danger. Plymouth seemed taken by surprise and were unable to take advantage. Then, with a complete squad, they kept an even level of possession with much of the play in midfield. Pushing forward, Okehampton made a couple of unlucky attempts on goal. Once back in possession Plymouth were held by Rachel Spry and Amanda Sim who put in successful tackles and decisive passes to the forwards. Plymouth broke through the Okehampton defence twice, scoring on both occasions. The second half saw better organisation from Okehampton and greater possession for Plymouth. The Okehampton backs responded well with Rachel Hammet putting in some effective tackles, Debbie Ough and Bea Mingham clearing the ball and keeping Plymouth?s goal chances at bay. The backs looked organised when clearing short corners from danger and Okehampton were unlucky to concede Plymouth?s third goal. Plymouth were unable to create any further goal scoring opportunities in this half as Okehampton began to take shape and demonstrate effective teamwork. Powerful hits from Jane Hignett allowed Rachel Spry to play the ball cleanly to Jess Miller and Rochelle Hillier giving the forwards several more opportunities to score. But goals were not to come. Strong defensive play and quick turn-around from Plymouth meant Okehampton were unable to dent the scoreline.
