Isca II 3, SOHC 0 With the end of the hockey season fast approaching, SOHCs first string looked for a repeat of their earlier season victory over Isca II in their penultimate game on the newly laid water-based at Exeter University, writes Sam King.

Having already sealed their promotion Isca had nothing but pride to lose. The home team started the game relaxed with much of the game being played in their half.

Intelligent running from forward ‘Dinger’ Bell lead to multiple chances on goal, but efforts were unsuccessful and attacks were dealt with well by Isca’s defence.

SOHC’s Scott Rowson played a penetrating ball down the right hand side finding Peter Baker who skilfully eliminated three Isca defenders and found Matthew Ogbourne on the far post who narrowly failed to convert.

Both sides continued to look for chances and the first half was closely fought, however neither team seemed able to find rewards for their hard work.

The beginning of the second half began similar to the first, but Isca were looking more organised and Jonty Hoare made some good saves to keep his side in the game.

From one of Isca’s attacks they managed to score a well taken goal which was followed by another in quick succession. A large crowd grew in the newly built grandstand to cheer on the home team.

However, SOHC were not to be distracted as they battled on. Mid-way through the second half a discrepancy over an apparent own goal from Isca lead to some discussions with the umpires, but the ‘goal’ was disallowed.

After a technical offence from Scott Rowson SOHC went down to 10 men and then to nine after Andrew Welch earned a yellow card!

Isca were then reduced to 10 following a straight red card, received for a push on SOHCs Ian Brown, which led to the skipper showing remarkable courage as he bravely stood up and continued to play despite his injury, a true role model for the younger players on the team!

As the game neared its end Isca managed to put away a third goal. Sidmouth and Ottery go on to play Bodmin this Saturday in Sidmouth, whilst Isca play Plymouth Marjon.