Glorious sunshine made playing conditions on Saturday optimal for what was set to be one of the toughest games of the season. Kingsbridge and Salcome first team travelled across the water to visit Shiphay where they were beaten in a tight game 2-1.

In the first half the game Torbay side demonstrated skill above their usual standard, playing the ball well amongst players, in the forward and back direction, maintaining possession and enjoying the teamwork. This demonstration of excellent foundation skills paid off when a smash into the D from Kate Hine was deflected by Lisa Pengilley to, shining star, Leah Brooks who scored, what looked like, an impossible goal. Brooks has made quite an impression on the goal record for Torbay since she started with the first team just weeks ago.

 

Consistently good teamwork, with strength in the midfield and an attacking mindset of the defenders, gave Torbay the edge over K&S, who struggled to get the ball at all in the first half. Another goal came from a short corner which was awarded after Hine had made one of her signature sprints from the defending half to the attacking D with the ball, conquering a number of opposing players on the way. This all paid off when she converted the corner to a firm goal with the help of other attackers, Gough, Brook and Pengilley.

 

With the subject of dissent currently being a hot topic in hockey media, there was certainly no shortage of it during this game, which was reflected in the two green cards awarded and several serious talks from the umpires to members of both teams. The half-time team talk from the Captain reiterated some ground rules regarding manners and respect in the Torbay side, who went on to demonstrate maturity and politeness on the pitch throughout the second half.

 

During the second 35 minures there were seven short corners in a row for the Torbay attackers, however, this week luck was not on thier side as they failed to score from a single one, and instead, K&S stole the ball for a lucky break and scored a disappointinly slow-ball goal.

 

The Torbay side was proud of it's efforts to try to keep the atmosphere of the game light-hearted and enjoyable in the sunshine and cemented their group bonding after their victory by drinking together whilst watching the Torbay Men's first XI win at home.

 

Emily Goodchild was voted player of the match by the elated team who remain at the top of the league table, with four games remaining to play.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From what I gather, a fun time was had by all.