Sidmouth HC Ladies , Isca Ladies’ XI

This friendly was an ideal opportunity for the Sidmouth ladies to try out a new team formation following the retirement of team stalwarts Karen Cann and Janet Jones at the end of last season.

The youthful Sidmouth side started strongly, putting together some good passing moves. This early pressure paid off when Sarah Thomas connected with Molly Adkins' cross to score the opening goal. Kelsey Fitzgerald was well positioned at the far post to make sure the ball was goal-bound. ISCA responded by making several attacking breaks, keeping the Sidmouth defence busy. Chloe Munn made several goal line clearances to help maintain the advantage, and newly-wed Jodie Parsons made a number of timely tackles. Captain and Goalkeeper Hayley Delasalle included a number of diving moves in her repertoire.

With Sarah Hutchings and Player of the Match, Caroline Bickerstaff, combining well with Lea Pidgeon it was not long before Sidmouth threatened to extend their lead. Taryn Beauthin had her first disallowed but soon scored another.

In the second half Sidmouth ran out of steam and, with the score on 2-2, Isca grabbed the winner in the final minutes.

Amongst the many positives of the game were the welcome return of Vicki Russell and Anna Rowson from maternity leave.

Sidmouth HC Ladies’ 2nds 1, ISCA 5ths 4

Sidmouth dominated the first 10 minutes. Good links from the back allowed Vicky Black to run down the right wing and cross the ball into the D for Susie Bedford to score, writes Susie Bedford.

ISCA found their feet but diving saves from goalie Hayley Delasalle kept ISCA from scoring until late in the half when they got two.

Excellent movement and passing into space across the pitch in the second half, plus the efforts of Player of the Match, Charlotte Hill, got the ball to the forwards but without the reward. Sidmouth lost their shape late on, and Isca scored two more goals. Players should be proud of their efforts and, having worked hard to get to grips with their new positions, look to have a great season ahead.