Sombreros at the ready

Sidmouth HC Ladies 2, Isca 3rds 1; Penzance 0, Sidmouth HC Ladies 4The match against Isca was a hard-fought physical game with some controversial umpiring from the Isca referee that tested the patience of some of the senior Sidmouth players.However, Sidmouth didn't let it get the better of them and were rewarded with two excellent Lea Pigeon goals. Both were impressive, perfectly placed strikes from short corners in the first half.Anna Cloke put in a terrific and gutsy show as she was given the task of marking the Isca central midfielder - also a Welsh international - which she did with her usual poise and determination.Isca managed to get one goal back in the second half after they were awarded a string of contested short corners. But Sidmouth defended extremely well on the bouncy, water-based pitch and didn't concede any more.Sidmouth kept their heads and saw the match through to secure another victory - probably one of the most deserved of the season so far.l The sun shone in Cornwall for this fixture which boded well for the Mexican-themed 'fun bus' day out.It was the first game Sidmouth had played without their central defender Chloe Munn, who is now sunning herself in Bali. Clare Choules (Payney) stepped up and played a fantastic game alongside Janet Jones who, as ever, was strong and reliable in defence. Sidmouth have never won down in Penzance before, usually too fatigued after the journey down or too excited about the night out that usually follows the rowdy journey home. However this visit was different and Sidmouth played some of the best passing hockey of their season so far.They moved the ball slickly around Penzance so they were never really allowed to get into the game. The home side had some decent individual players but they struggled to pull it together as a team.The goals came from Karen Cann, Taryn Beauthin and two from Sarah Cloke, who is having an outstanding season, which saw the travelling team win 4-0.The journey home was suitably joyful.