Crickets keep improving

Crickets’ Men’s 1st XI continued their game on game improvement with a productive visit into Exeter to play Ashmoor in South Div 1, writes Nicky Bishop.

Playing easily their best hockey of the season they came away with a deserved 2-1 victory.

The first half saw Crickets press forward on several occasions through Down and Fraser. With their second short corner, Sheaves injected, Slade’s drag flick was saved, but he calmly scored at his second attempt. Crickets went in ahead at half-time.

Crickets’ dominated the first period of the second half with a masterclass of pass and move. Fraser’s yellow card changed the balance of the game and Ashmoor levelled within minutes.

All Crickets’ defensive and midfield resources were truly tested after this. They couldn’t clear their lines and relied on Frood in goal to repel all attempts with his best performance of the season.

Dockley gathered the ball, found Fraser on the right who quickly rounded his marker, passed to solitary forward Mikey Bell who dispatched Crickets’ winner.

Crickets survived several short corners in the last few minutes to secure the three points.

?The ladies’ 1st XI also enjoyed a comfortable victory in their cup fixture against Mannamead.

They dominated throughout and tucked away 11 goals by the final whistle.

With a hat-trick from Jessica Williams and Karen Dutton, two from Bobbie Caldwell and one from centre back Meg Dudding, it was a deserved win.

?Ottery Crickets train on a Tuesday evening at Colin Tooze Sports centre, and are always looking for new players.

For more information, visit www.otterycrickets.co.uk