Plymouth 1 3

Okehampton Columbines 1

OKEHAMPTON Columbines hockey team had a tough draw in the Devon Plate, Plymouth being two divisions higher in the league.

Columbines followed their pattern of raising their game against tougher opposition and gave Plymouth a good match.

Plymouth were quicker and their passing was precise and positive.

Kay Peerless and Jane Jones worked well to keep at bay the strength of the Plymouth right half and right wing.

The first Plymouth goal came from a well-taken corner which Sharon Parsons in goal could do little about.

This was the catalyst to motivate Okehampton and they began to put pressure on Plymouth's defence.

Another great goal put Plymouth 2-0 up, but just before half-time Sue Stanbury drilled the ball home from a short corner to keep the game open.

Debbie Pritchard had another inspired game at right back and Okehampton made Plymouth work for their win.

They were unlucky not to equalise when Jane Jones passed to Beth Stephens who whipped the ball across the circle for Viv Weatherington to direct towards goal. But although she did not know much about it the goalkeeper saved it.

A similar move at the other end fortuitously went in for Plymouth's third goal.

This week Okehampton play a re-arranged game against Beaminster at home in the league.