After the torrential downpours that the ladies third team endured on Saturday morning the SOHC Under-14 girls A team had a beautiful autumnal Dawlish afternoon for their second leg matches in the group stage of the Devon Development League.

The girls arrived in positive spirits after the first leg proved so favourable for them.

The first match was against Tiverton based White Eagles who opted to play with seven outfield players and no goalkeeper!

This is a decision they may have lived to regret as the up front trio of Jasmine Scott, Aimee Keast and Chloe Hobday proved too strong for the Tiverton defence.

After a cautious start the girls soon got into their stride and came away with 6-0 win at the final whistle.

This boosted their confidence for their second match against Isca B, a club that can never be underestimated! In this match the defence came into their own, Emily Bolton never took her eye off the ball and with her speed and agility was able to make some crucial interceptions. This was combined with the fearless presence of Abi Pearse, back after recent injury, and she played some fine attacking defence, going to the ball at every opportunity.

This combined with Emilia Smith’s fine performance in goal enabled the midfield team of Flora Hastie, Emily Rudolph and Jasmine Dorman to take the ball up to the attacking D facilitating another fine 3-1 win by the time the full-time whistle was blown.

All of this was supported by Jan Ackland, the SOHC ladies’ third eleven captain who, as coach on the day, was able to draw on her wealth of playing experience to support and advise the girls. Thanks also go to David Ackland for umpiring.

The team remain unbeaten in the group stages of this competition and look to maintaining this record when they meet the girls from Ashmoor on November 30 in the final round of matches being played in Plymouth.

On the same day SOHC ladies B team are also in action when they play at Dart.

Meanwhile, anyone, junior or senior, that is interested in joining the club is invited to visit the club’s excellent website www.sidmouthandotteryhc.co.uk for contact details.