Half way through the Plymouth mixed hockey season and the Cougars, sitting on top of the league, journeyed to Lipson to play bottom placed side Bombardier.

After vice-captain Chloe Harvey had laid out the plan for the match KS immediately started strongly with Ash Wyeth picking up the ball from the pushback and making a strong run straight through the opposition only to be brought down by a trailing stick as he closed in on goal.

Sensing that the game was theirs for the taking the Cougars set about breaking down the Bombardier defence. Harvey found acres of space on the left side and used it to good advantage, driving forwards strongly and allowing herself time for more than the usual one opportunity to receive a pass.

After a continued spell of solid pressure and several near misses the Cougars broke the deadlock when Chris Guard finally opened his account for the season, collecting a rebound in the D and slotting it home neatly.

Sam Holdsworth, playing in the centre, seemed to be everywhere on the pitch at the same time - at one point collecting, passing, tackling and receiving the ball in each corner of the field during a lap of the pitch!

Claire Jones, making a welcome return from a minor knee op, was on stunning form at the back, tackling well and pushing forward with silky smooth skills to constantly outwit her marker. Lou Read also found the opportunity to drive forwards on many occasions and was unlucky not to score from a short corner later in the game.

Helen Symons worked well down the right side, finding space and delivering telling balls in to the D. From another Symons push down the right she found Guard in the D who smashed home a shot through the unsighted keeper for his second of the game.

Will W-Symons came close on several occasions and looked dangerous every time he attacked the bombardier goal. The Cougars continued to pile on the pressure and saw a shot cleared off the line and some amazing saves made by the Bombardier keeper who denied what looked to be a sure fire goal on several occasions.

Guard looked dangerous through most of the game, eluding his marker and even finding enough space in the D at one point to sit down for a brief rest.

Sarah Cullen took over from Harvey with Nic Bowes filling in several positions during the game, both delivering great performances. In a series of short corners the KS Ladies routines looked dangerous, a sign which bodes well for the coming winter season.

With Captain Mikey Dennis directing from the sideline it was not long before KS sealed the win with another goal from Guard to complete his hat-trick crowned Man of the Match performance and confirm the much awaited return to his usual lethal form in front of goal.

KS were unlucky not to run out winners by a few more goals and will be looking to increase the score line at the return fixture towards the end of the season.