OKEHAMPTON Hockey Club U12s girls travelled to Exeter on Sunday to play in a Devon Festival.

The team took a while to settle and find their rhythm but battled hard to draw their first game against ISCA thirds team 0-0. Oke then faced ISCA seconds in an exciting end to end contest, with Jemima Vereker pressurising the ISCA defence whilst Izzie Thomas and Chloe Stairs made some crucial tackles in defence for Oke. ISCA scored from a well taken penalty corner and also a messy goal mouth scramble.

Oke were gaining in confidence when they took on Exe in their next game.

The teams were evenly matched. Evie Cunningham and Anna Crome had to work hard for their team to create goal scoring chances as well as help to defend. There were some superb saves from the Oke keeper Ruth Frangleton. However, Exe won the match when a shot on goal hit the post and deflected into the goal.

Oke controlled their next game against Sidmouth, with Ellie Stevens pushing forward down the left wing but it was Louisa Lynn who clinched the win for Oke when she pounced on the ball in the circle and slotted it into the back of the net.

Oke had their stiffest opposition for the last game. ISCA first team were quick and slick but nippy Alice Luke intercepted and tackled determinedly.

The defence marked tightly but conceded a short corner which ISCA converted into a goal. Oke’s team work was rewarded when Louisa Lynn scored a fine solo goal to equal the score. Oke were disappointed when ISCA scored again to deny Oke a draw.