Okehampton Badgers 2

Exe Badgers 4

THE Okehampton team consisted of junior players together with three ‘Back to Hockey’ ladies, all hoping to gain experience of playing under senior hockey conditions.

On a drizzly Sunday morning, from the outset, both teams played with determination and confidence. Oke’s Fleur, Hannah and Katie linked well together in the centre of the pitch to advance the play towards Exe’s defence. However, the speedy Exe attackers bypassed the Oke defence to score two swift goals.

Oke’s defenders Maddie and Ligaya, managed strongly by Jennie, retaliated by intercepting Exe’s attempts to enter the D. Tireless work from Donna and Izzy in midfield meant that play advanced up the pitch. Hannah, Katie and Fleur made the Exe defence work hard and Abbie pounced on a ball, which crossed the D and struck the ball into the back of the goal.

Following a talk from captain Hannah at half-time, the home team worked hard to move the ball towards the goal with Abbie and Jess keeping the Exe defenders busy. Exe were equally determined to keep their lead. Oke defender Maddie then took the game into her own hands, cleverly intercepting a pass, running the length of the pitch and, selflessly, passing the ball to Hannah who slipped the ball into the goal.

Exe, however, found new strength and passed the ball rapidly, which caught the Oke defence off-guard. This lead to a 2-4 loss for the home team.

Oke were fortunate to have two goalkeepers, Carol and Ruth and they shared their time playing for Okehampton and Exe, who did not have a goal keeper. Both goalies made some excellent saves.