Okehampton Columbines 4
ECV Hornets 3
THIS was a closely fought match with good hockey from both sides.
Hornets got off the mark early on with a good strike from their left wing, which flew into the corner of the goal.
Okehampton piled on the pressure. Jo Stephens made strong runs from the midfield to link up some quick passing moves to threaten the Hornets? goal.
Countless shots at goal were saved on the line, but the ball finally fell to Sue Stanbury who blasted it home for the equaliser.
Okehampton scored again shortly before half-time when a Jane Jones cross was cleverly turned in by Jo Moppett.
The Okehampton midfield kept up a strong performance in the second half with Alex Collins having a particularly good game at right half.
Hornets are a side that like to go forward and the Columbines? midfield and defence did well to close down their moves.
Columbines scored again from a short-corner well struck by Stanbury to put them 3-1 ahead, but Hornets were not done yet.
With both sides tiring, there was more space for players. Both goalkeepers had to make fine saves, but Hornets put their chances away to level the score.
Okehampton held their nerve and a fine pass from Claire Smith playing out of position at centre forward put Moppett one-on-one with the goalkeeper and she made no mistake, rounding her to score the winning goal.
This week, Columbines have a league match at home against Essanians.