Plymouth University 3
Okehampton Columbines Ladies' 3
OKEHAMPTON started with effective breaks, playing good team hockey. In the first ten minutes they were close to scoring on several occasions and this gave them confidence, even when Plymouth broke through to score the first goal.
Okehampton came back undeterred. A pass from captain Jo Moppett was deflected by Alex Collins but blocked by the goalie who threw herself to the ground. Coolly and effectively, Alex controlled the ball, pulled it back from the goalie and flicked it over the flailing defender to score.
This tenacity in the Okehampton team was common throughout and this, together with good teamwork, gave them grit against a fit and individually talented team.
Plymouth scored again with a well taken short corner. They went into a huddle to plan their tactics for every short corner and here their preparation showed itself to be effective in attacking short corners.
Okehampton's defence was sharper than previously with close one to one marking and defenders backing each other up well. Rachel Hammet at left back showed particular mettle, closing off several piercing attacking runs with some lovely tackles.
Okehampton kept up the offensive and Moppett scored with shot from an acute angle. With the score 2-2 at half-time Okehampton knew they were playing well as a team and returned to the fray well fired up.
This showed itself in the terrier like determination of Hannah Whiteley who pushed and fought through the frantic Plymouth defence to put Okehampton in the lead for the first time.
A little confusion in the ranks of the defence let an unmarked player get the ball into the circle and shoot putting the score at 3-3 for the final whistle.
It had been a good and exciting game of hockey which gives Okehampton good heart for their future in this higher league.
Okehampton are away again this week against Mannamead.