Kept their cool

Sidmouth HC Ladies 1st XI 5, Torbay 2

Another unseasonably warm, November day reflected the mood in the Sidmouth camp as they basked in the previous week’s victory. Cool heads were required though as the ladies faced newly-promoted Torbay, at Primley, writes Sara Roberts.

Sidmouth started well with some good passing moves and prolonged periods of possession. Lea Pidgeon provided a sterling pivot having tucked into defence to replace Jodie Parsons who had been admitted to A&E before arriving at the pitch!

It was not long before the home side’s pressure was rewarded with a decisive run and finish from Taryn Beuthin up front.

Before the break, Karen Cann graced the team with a brief but typically influential sortie out of retirement and another fine strike from Beuthin, this time from a penalty corner, saw the ladies go into half time 2-0 up.

The second half saw Torbay get increasingly hot under the collar, their number 9 sent off to cool down as, after one too many eruptions, Rob Cann umpiring, saw red.

Sidmouth took their opportunity and superb passing in midfield finished with a flick to beat the keeper, from Player of the Match Sara Roberts. Great work from Jess Allen saw a strike by Roberts and a diving flourish from Beuthin at the post for her hat trick.

Coach Gus McVey took the inspired decision of bringing ‘one eyed’ Jodie Parsons, back from A & E, into the fray, unusually upfront. She immediately shot for goal, but wide, as her eyesight played tricks. However, moments later, in reply to the Torbay no 9’s vengeance goal, Parsons slotted away her second chance to make it 5-1.

Torbay scored a snappy consolation on the stroke of full time.

as Simouth’s concentration wandered.

Roberts narrowly pipped Rowson for Duke’s player of the match in a vote which reflected the all round team performance.The ladies can take much forward from 3 quality, back to back wins as they take on Bude away, next week.