Okehampton ladies 2

Truro ladies 5

OKEHAMPTON ladies firsts had hoped to end the league season with a bang and travelled to Truro with some hope, having beaten the Cornish side previously.

Truro, however, played with dash their enthusiasm to get the ball too often giving them the advantage over Okehampton. Marking closely in defence, Oke let in one goal and then a second as Truro's halves led the attack.   Kim Davey played superbly for Oke, both supporting in defence and providing her team chances at goal through her stick-work, hard running and crosses. Despite this and several impressive attacks with Jo Moppett and Lesley Bingham, Okehampton remained on the back foot. 

After half time Okehampton settled more into the game, and felt unlucky when Truro scored their third goal despite the valiant efforts of goalie Shannon Osman. Louise Weller and Kim Bland, playing midfield, pushed up to support the forwards  and Oke scored one and then a second — the latter came from a superb piece of controlled dribbling from Jo Moppett.  The visitors seemed to be getting the upper hand but the tide turned again and Truro scored their fourth goal despite the hard work of Jane Jones, Carol Taylor, Rachel Hammett and Anna Cherrington in defence - with the latter playing in almost every position.

In a fierce goalmouth tussle keeper Shannon Osman sustained a neck injury and play was stopped while an ambulance was called. With two players accompanying Shannon Oke gamely played on with nine players and no goalie.  Okehampton then produced the best free flowing hockey of the match. 

Truro were now on the back foot, trying to regain control and Okehampton dominated the play and make foray after foray into the Truro circle. A Truro break led to their fifth goal but the last 11 minutes provided a glorious release for Oke and showed the level of hockey which they can play.

This was the last league match of the season with Okehampton secure in their position in this new, higher league.