Okehampton Columbines Ladies' Hockey Club 6

Plym Valley 4

OKEHAMPTON Ladies soon got the upper hand of this hockey league match against Plym Valley.

The work on the left wing was particularly dextrous with neat and confident passing between Viv Weatherington, Louise Weller and Alex Collins leading to Alex getting Oke's first goal within minutes of the start.

This was followed up with a strike from Jo Moppett which was caught and spun on the goal-line before teetering over. Okehampton's passing paid off again when Viv Weatherington scored off a short corner after the ball had ping-ponged around the defence several times.

Okehampton's fourth was still within the first 15 minutes when Jo Moppett scored off a short corner with a cracking shot. Okehampton, with some players still recovering from injury, now played in the rest of the squad of 14.

The rot started when Plym Valley pile drove a shot off a short corner that left all defenders helpless. The score of 4-1 did not seem threatening but then Plym Valley pulled back to 4-3 at half time. Okehampton went back to its starting team and decided to phase playing alternatives more cautiously.

This paid off when Jane Jones took a free hit that was turned into a strike, deflected by the goalie for Alex Collins to get the rebound safely into the net.

Plym Valley's fiery hitting was their main strength and this showed again when a Plym attacker got a stick to a long corner and the ball flew over everyone's heads into the top corner of Okehampton's goal.

The tension was high with such volatility on the score line and with minutes to go at 5-4 to the home team. Okehampton kept its cool despite considerable pressure and several shots that just missed the goal including bouncing off the post.

Jo Moppett changed the tactic at the short corner, moved left instead of right and gained that crucial second for a clean pass to Viv Weatherington who scored.

Okehampton kept Plym Valley at bay for a few minutes more and heard with relief the final whistle so that finally they were sure of their win.

It was another good team effort from Okehampton, their close marking in defence having really improved this season.

l Okehampton Columbines are away against Morgarow at Penzance next week.