1XI vs Isca & Uni of Exeter 5

The sun was out the sky was clear the sea was blue, Kirsten was hungover, Tori forgot the first aid kit and Jess set about taping her number on back to front… so begins the story of this week’s hockey escapades and that was before the pitch had even been opened – which we had to request them do! Anyway we got in, warmed up and were ready to go, complete with our junior newbie Brooke on the subs bench full of eager anticipation ahead of this tough match Vs Isca and Exeter Uni who had been relegated into the league. Only one problem – our umpire was missing, 20 minutes later casually ambling onto the pitch we got underway. It was at this point we realised a 9:30 push back meant low sun and all the fun that entails – picking out players on our team was a challenge – we keenly anticipate the new kit next week. Down to business and we did start off a little shaky, but quickly gained confidence as training began to kick in (and not only because we had Hussey calling it from the side-line). A competitive match ensued, we worked hard. With the press against their 16s being set well they were forced to continually switch the ball cross field and we were often rewarded with side-line balls to capitalise on. Defensively we took a moment to get into our stride, perhaps a little too cautious to begin with but quickly closed the gap between us and our midfield. The few occasions they did penetrate our back 4 Alfie denied them any goalscoring opportunity. Our attack and midline continued to work tirelessly and Jess and Kat were nearly rewarded with a goal just before halftime, but we were still happy with the goalless score at this point.

Following a positive half time chat we took to the field once more, full of anticipation of a goal to come. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a goal for them, after a tranche of short corners they finally sank one into the bottom left corner. Harsh but our resolve spurred us on, Lally and Michelle making great decisions in midfield and releasing Dee and Olivia for some great breaks – Dee nailed a blinder from the edge of the D at a sharp angle and only bad luck determined that it ricocheted off the inside of the post onto the field rather than into the goal. At this point Isca found some oompf and we began to flag. Step up the defensive combo of Kirsten Joey, Katie and Myself who fought hard against an onslaught of counter attacks. Another round of short corners ensued and finally they sent in a second blinder of a lifted reverse stick strike – Alf never had a chance.

So 0-2 the final score, but we have come away not feeling defeated but enthused by the ambitions of our coach and captain and clear signs of improvement and development already beginning to show – we’ll have them next time! It was great to play our first match at our New Home with the OC banners up and support from Club members – we really appreciated it.

Never one to miss an opportunity for Donkey Jess was most surprised despite tripping over tubes on the side of the pitch, confusing Mauritius and the Maldives, and taping an E instead of a 3 to her back, that Michelle was awarded the accolade this week – for attempting to use lack of deodorant as an effective defence tool!

The whole team continues to step up their game with multiple hats thrown in the ring for player from Lally, Brooke and Tori, and this week’s player was a draw between Alfie and Olivia.