Match day! Kingsbridge and Salcombe 1s were keen to get back on the pitch and demonstrate the type of team they are having taken some learnings from last week.

With an empowering team talk, a tactical plan hatched and warm up complete, KS stepped onto the pitch with first push back. Dart started hard and fast turning over the ball and putting pressure down the right side of the pitch. Some excellent defending kept the score sheet clean. Ten minutes in, KS response started to kick in and they started to play their game. Possession evened out and both sides showcased their skills. Dart had a fast break, a foot in the circle where no advantage was played left their goal disallowed and a short corner awarded. Although their strong strike made it past the keeper, the ball had never left the D and so the game restarted 0-0. This near miss put a bit of fire into KS who counter attacked with pace and a ball struck into the D was jumped on at the post by Charlotte and buried at the back of the net. KS had the momentum going into half time 1 - 0.

Both sides continued the battle in the second half of the game, KS were determined not to be pushed off the ball. Protecting the ball meant players from both teams hitting the deck in various forms (some legal challenges, some less so) increasing the heat of the game. Dart came back with a well worked goal which KS responded to with equal pressure. With Islay pressuring down the wing and into the D, she saw her shot pass the keeper for Charlotte to score her second of the day. The score went 1-1, 2-1 KS and then Dart sneaked in a final dribble goal (a goal is a goal) for 2-2. The frantic pace and high-quality hockey was maintained to the end of the game and both teams were relieved that they could let their heat rates drop when the final whistle blew.

Thank you to Sarah Budgen for coaching and support on the side line and to Lisa for stepping up as captain. Thank you to Roger and Mark for umpiring and the Creeks End for providing match teas.

Player of the match votes were spread across the team with votes for Lou, Rachel B, Helen, Maddie and Lisa but due to her sensational runs Tess took the win this week.