SOHC ladies 3, Bridgwater ladies 1 Still smarting from the previous week’s defeat to league leaders Old Bristolians, which was peppered with missed opportunities, SOHC ladies 1st X1 arrived at Ottery, ready to do battle with local rivals Bridgwater, writes Sarah Hutchings.

A stormy forecast befitting of the derby proved correct as tempers, still smouldering from the previous fixture, were quickly reignited in tempestuous gusts. SOHC took the early lead after questionable defensive tactics by the opposition, lead to the awarding of a penalty stroke, coolly put away by veteran leader Lea Pidgeon. The match was certainly not one way traffic though, with defenders, Jess Allen and Jodie Parsons on their toes to assist a most resilient performance from stand in goalie, Suzanne Delasalle. Maisie Pritchard also produced a fine performance under pressure, both defensively and in attack, undeterred by some physical challenges. Just after half time it was she who slotted the ball away from a penalty corner routine that put the home side 2-0 up. There was clearly still work for SOHC to do after the break with hard work called for! Bridgwater came out with real conviction in the second half and took the game to the hosts but SOHC passed the ball superbly with neat precise inter-play involving Player of the Match Philly Cordey and Sara Roberts in midfield. The pairing of Pidgeon and Mitchell up front caused endless problems for the visitors and Sophie Jackson proved a major thorn in Bridgwater’s side as she just did not let any ball go!

Many an offensive threat was quickly snuffed out by Emily Ackland, often working well with Nicky Bishop to morph defence into attack. The visitor’s frustration eventually boiled over and after repeated disputes with the umpires, their captain was disciplined with green card warning.

Subsequently it was Bishop that made it 3-0 with an unstoppable strike from a penalty corner. In the dying moments just as SOHC thought they had achieved a clean sheet, Bridgwater grabbed a consolation goal from a penalty corner. It was the home side though who finished celebrating, what is a significant victory against a strong side. On Saturday the SOHC ladies travel to Bristol to face Clifton followed by a night out in town – bring it on!