Sidmouth HC Ladies 2nd XI 1,

Honiton Hornets 5

The Sidmouth side was lacking a few regular players due to illness this week, and that was made even worse when, due to the hostile weather conditions, a number of players arrived late for the match against local team Honiton Hornets, writes Susie Bedford.

Having beaten the Honiton side in a friendly and then lost to them in a league match, Sidmouth were unsure of what the score would be. Sidmouth started the match strongly, taking a good proportion of the play and getting in to the Honiton D to attack. Sarah Dean worked well with Kristy Platt, this week’s Player of the Match, in the centre.

But Honiton managed to get control of play as they were quick to attack the Sidmouth side who struggled to make it back to defend.

Catherine Vincent had a great game in the defence. Liz Knapp also worked hard to close down the Honiton breaks, putting pressure on the away team and forcing them to make mistakes which she was quick to take advantage of.

Unfortunately, the Honiton side got the better of the Sidmouth defence twice before half time and got three goals after the break when they seemed stronger .

Anna Rowson made some superb challenges and passes up to the forwards. Kelsey Fitzgerald worked well with Rowson to pass the ball up the pitch to forwards and recent newcomers, Cally Tapp and Hope Burgess, who have both shown great skill and progress in the last few matches. Kelly Marrish worked hard on the left wing and Kristy Platt got a late consolation goal. Sidmouth put up a good fight.

to support both the forwards but also help out the defence, stepping in the make some excellent challenges on a number of occasions. Although the Sidmouth side secured a couple of short corners they were unsuccessful in converting these in to goal scoring opportunities. Relief did come however when Kristy Platt made an excellent move into the Honiton D and managed to secure the home side a well deserved goal.

The final whistle saw a defeat for the home side, but as always, the Sidmouth team put up a good fight and should be proud of their efforts.