Okehampton ladies’ thirds 2

Dart ladies 2

BOTH teams comprised of a mixture of older, experienced players and younger players just starting league hockey so they were hoping for a competitive encounter.

Oke won the toss and attacked from the start with Hannah Whiteley, pushing forward and pressurising the Dart defence. Emilia Bazeley and Sophie Mugliston worked hard in midfield, dropping back to defend but switching quickly to attack when in possession.

Oke’s first goal came when captain Jane Jones intercepted the ball in midfield and swiftly moved up the pitch before passing the ball to Sandra Houston who was perfectly placed in the Dart circle to crack the ball past the keeper into the net.Dart retaliated by attacking in numbers and pressurising the Oke circle. Despite strong tackling from Joey Drake and Lisa May, Dart’s determination resulted in a goal from a goalmouth scuffle.

With the score equal at half time there was everything to play for. Lois Rowlands and daughter Izzy, both playing in defence, stepped up the field to intercept the ball and cut out several attacking moves from Dart.

There was a period of end to end hockey as both teams pushed to take the lead but it was Dart who broke the deadlock and took a 2-1 lead. Outstanding goalkeeping from Oke’s player of the match Ella Kaye kept the gap to just one goal.

Oke stepped up a gear with some searing runs from Annie Strawbridge and Sophie Tripp on the wings. Sandy Houston and Sarah Bazeley had several shots on goal but strong goalkeeping from Dart denied them the equaliser.

Oke’s work rate increased their quest to draw level. They were rewarded when Hannah Whiteley crossed the ball in front of the Dart goal and Eleanor Marvin coolly slotted the ball past the keeper and gave the Oke team the draw they deserved.