Okehampton Columbines Ladies Hockey Club 7
Dawlish Ladies 0
THIS was not only the last home match of the season for Okehampton Ladies but also the last game they will play on the current astro-turf as it is being replaced.
In the first half Okehampton played it pretty cool, passing the ball well and taking the majority of the play.
Despite several efforts this did not really pay off until Sophie Cunnington got her stick to the ball to pass the goalie, who had stopped so many previous efforts.
Dawlish made several dangerous attacks with decisive and effective runs which were hard for defenders to prevent.
One break-through left goalie Sophie Whiteley isolated as the only Okehampton player in the circle as the Dawlish centre forward sped in with the ball. Sophie came forward confidently, broke the charge and deflected the ball safely away. This excellent play was followed up when a short corner led to a high ball that Sophie got a glove to send it over the bar and at half time the score was 1-0 to Okehampton.
Dawlish came back with fire in their bellies but this was dampened down when first Viv Weatherington and then Jo Moppett scored in quick succession.
Then 'the flood gates' had opened. All the forwards contributed, using each other well with short passes that left the able Dawlish defence reeling.
Alex Collins, while one of the few forwards not to score was clearly a goal maker. Jo Moppett not only contributed through some striking passes but also scored twice following solo run throughs and once with a flick over the goalie.
Hannah Whiteley got goal number five with an excellent tap which finished off the passes from Rachel Hammett to Viv Weatherington to Jo Moppett and in.
• Dawlish play hosts to a tournament next weekend which is the first stage of Okehampton's May tour.