Tavistock Ladies' Hockey 1

United Services Ladies 0

DESPITE having not played this team in a few years, Tavistock knew that they were against a strong side. With numerous first team ladies unavailable and a new keeper it was going to be a game of psychological strength more than physical.

The game opened with both teams looking to take ownership of the game. Laura Armstrong had some good runs up the pitch and worked well with Jo Gaspar. In the early stages of the first half the ball was pushed up by Stapleton allowing Armstrong and Gaspar to run onto it. Gaspar scored the goal by good use of her team-mates.

United Services picked up the game and it looked like it was going to be tough for Tavistock as Gaspar was taken off through a head injury. Judy Miller was waiting 'in the wings' and despite having had a baby only three weeks ago, showed she was ready for the action on the pitch.

There was a nail-biting point in the first half as Gaynor Pollard came out of the goal to defend the shot. The opposition got past her and looked like they were going to score. Captain Fiona Dunn ran across the 'D' and hassled the player just inches away from the goal-line.

Lisa Butler worked hard on the wing and drove the ball up the pitch with enthusiasm and energy.

The second half showed Tavistock as the dominant team. Steph Mills, Collar and Stapleton played the ball between them much to the annoyance of the opposition. Gaspar was back on the pitch and it seemed United Services could do nothing to stop the flow of the ball between the Tavistock players.

Court and Armstrong battled tirelessly on the left and the defence of Horton and Dunn was rarely troubled as both were quick to intercept any ball, which was being fed down the pitch. White, Gaspar, Butler and Armstrong were desperate for another goal and despite having numerous attempts, it was apparent that the oppsition had brought all the players back into the 'D' to prevent any more being scored.

This week Tavistock are away at Ivybridge at 11am against Plym Valley.

Tavistock: Gaynor Pollard, Babs Horton, Fiona Dunn (captain), Steph Mills, Emma White, Jill Court, Laura Stapleton, Lisa Butler, Laura Armstrong, Jo Gaspar, Judy Miller, Sandra Collar.

Player of the match: Emma White.