Sidmouth HC Men’s 1st XI 3, Ottery Crickets 3

Matches between local rivals Sidmouth and Ottery Crickets are always keenly-fought affairs but last weekend's game was one that neither team can been particularly proud of. Although the match saw six goals being scored, eight yellow cards were shown in an ugly encounter, writes Bobby Brown.

Ottery's young-looking team tend to play an exciting brand of hockey which is full of pace owing to their youthful legs but for all their attractive play, a certain immaturity saw six of their players being sin-binned, mainly for persistent and poor tackling.

Sidmouth have adopted a style of play which is centred around a solid defence but they are well aware that for all the strong tackling and tactical nouse a back line consisting Scott Rowson, Peter Baker, Ben Dormand and Ian Brown, the one thing it is lacking is pace. And it was a lucky break and an explosion of pace that allowed the visitors to take the lead much against the run of play mid way through the first half.

Sidmouth equalised almost straight from the restart when former Ottery player Charlie Please found himself one-on-one with the visiting keeper, slotting a cool reverse stick shot past him to draw the scores level. Ottery responded quickly, utilising their pace to manipulate a breakaway situation and restore their lead minutes later.

With about eight minutes left of the first half, the red mist seemed to descend upon "the mighty orange" which saw four Crickets players sent off in separate incidents. To his credit, Ottery skipper Jonny Gorden remonstrated with his team for their indiscipline, his mature attitude seemingly falling on less mature ears.

For long periods in the second half, Sidmouth controlled the game without particularly threatening their opposition's goal. Dan Devine had an energetic game, combining well at times with Andrew Mapson. Andrew Joy was awesome in midfield. The hosts drew level through a well taken Chris Lewis goal before Ottery restored their lead for a third time through a well taken drag flick at a penalty corner.

With only a couple of minutes remaining, Sidmouth earned a penalty corner and sought to utilise one of their well used routines to try to equalise. Lewis ignored the planned routine and avoided incurring the wrath of his captain by slotting the ball home to earn Sidmouth a share of the points.

An unsavoury encounter finished on a disappointing note with a number of the Crickets players declining to take part in the customary 'three cheers. Hopefully the return fixture in the new year will be a better advertisement for hockey and sportsmanship.

This week Sidmouth travel away to take on Bodmin, whilst Crickets take on Ashmoor.

Sidmouth HC Mens A 4 , Taunton Vale C 2

Sidmouth A continued their great start to the league season with another fine win over strong opposition, writes Ian Mackie.

With a view to the future Sidmouth have a mixture of youth and experience which is working really well, the team having won the first two league matches scoring a total of 14 goals and conceding just three.

Sidmouth started the game much slower than Taunton Vale, but started to play the ball around the back with speed and confidence, dragging the Taunton forwards across the pitch and making good spaces which the forward line of Pike, Cole and Rumens worked tirelessly to make use of.

It was after one such move that Sidmouth were awarded a short corner which was converted without the Vale side getting half way out by Captain Ian Mackie, this was quickly followed by another corner for Mackie after some good work from Rich Robinson, who despite getting married the previous Thursday had amazing energy levels. Robinson followed up with a goal of his own after a well worked short corner with A Mark Mingo shot was stopped on the line with a foot which resulted in a penalty for Robinson.

After some great work in the corner from Sam Cole and a sharp cross into the Dee Scott Reumans scored with a diving reverse stick shop which the keeper had no chance with.

Vale pulled 2 back in the second half but Sidmouth were never in danger of losing after their first half performance.

Special mention for Greg Seward, Anthony Dibble and Rob Walkden these young players just get better and better each week, and show what players can achieve with training and enthusiasm.

Manof the Match was Mark Mingo who’s tireless running has been a great inspiration to the younger players.

Next match 22/10/2011 2pm start Sidmouth College Sidmouth A V Okehampton 1st team