Sidmouth HC Ladies’ 1st XI 5, Caradon 1

It was a beautiful sunny day at Sidmouth and it seemed the heat took its toll on the travelling Caradon side, writes Vicki Russell.

Sidmouth established an early lead through a perfectly executed short corner routine - something the team have been working on in training with Coach McVey. Sarah Hutchings injected the ball to Taryn Beauthin at the top of the D, her initial strike was deflected to the near post by Vicki Russell and Hutchings duly knocked it behind the keeper. With the momentum, Sidmouth soon took a 2-0 lead through another short corner set play, again finished off at the post by Player of the Match Hutchings.

Caradon came back, and, through a strong attack, caught Sidmouth on the break to make it 2-1. Sidmouth knew they needed more than a single goal cushion as Caradon's leggy centre forward has caught them out in the past. Helped by typically solid saves from Keeper Hayley Delasalle, star striker Beuthin did her bit at the other end and gave Sidmouth the extra goal they needed before half time.

Molly Adkin, in defence, marked Caradon's most dangerous striker out of the game and forced her into 'hit and hope' hockey. Sarah Roberts and Caroline Bickerstaff ran tirelessly in midfield despite the heat, and playmaker Lea Pidgeon took charge in the middle.

In the second half Pidgeon fed the ball to Beuthin several times and she added another two goals for her hat-trick. She was ably assisted up front by Chrissie Mitchell and Anna Rowson.

Thanks from all the team go to captain Hayley Delasalle, who is stepping down, vice captain Chloe Munn and Gus McVey.