Paignton 4
Okehampton Columbines 4
THIS ideal after-Christmas friendly saw good, competitive hockey played in excellent spirit. Okehampton started more strongly than high-flying Paignton who play in a league above them. The forwards and midfield worked well together to put the Paignton defence under pressure.
The breakthrough came when Alex Collins drove through the tackles and slapped the ball into the goal
A few minutes later a shot from the right was kicked out by Paignton's goalkeeper to Sue Stanbury, who hammered the ball home for goal number two.
Surprised at being in the lead, Okehampton lost their grip slightly and allowed Paignton to draw level.
However, just before half-time intelligent team play set up Collins to score again.
Both sides tired a bit in the second half and Sharon Parsons, in her first game for the Columbines in goal, had to make a number of saves and had a good game.
But despite the valiant efforts of the Columbines' defence, Paignton scored two more goals to take the lead.
The game deserved to finish in a draw and Jo Stephens, with a little help from Paignton's goalkeeper, coolly scored the equaliser.
Okehampton are away to Plymouth in another friendly this week.