Cougars Hit Sidmouth & Ottery for Six

Kingsbridge and Salcombe 2s welcomed Sidmouth and Ottery 4’s to Kingsbridge for the Petroc Division Two encounter. It was a blustery Saturday at the weekend, but there were supporters from both teams braving the conditions. Before the match started, two minutes silence was held by both teams for Armistice Sunday in order to commemorate those who fought during war.

The Cougars, unbeaten in the league this season started well with Julie Lee finding the back of the Sidmouth net after 2 minutes, with a reverse shot from close range, the goal was assisted by Violet Moore. With both teams attacking strongly the goalies received multiple shots, Cougars goalie, Sarah Budgen was not phased and managed to avoid success from the opposition, whilst communicating with her defence to keep shape during strong attacks from experienced Sidmouth players. After 23 minutes, Lee was again on target with an effortless flick into the far corner after a powerful cross from Tess Baker.

Cougars were 2-0 up at half time, however, coach Chris Guard knew they had the potential to pull away further. Guard’s team talk reflected his frustration in some careless play and lack of discipline during the first half. The Cougars were instructed to better their work rate, have quicker reactions and remember applications of training routines whilst continuing to maintain possession of the ball.

The second half started with Cougars focusing on protecting their centre back, Anna Mccabe who had been left several times in the first half defending several of the opposition on her own. This allowed break throughs from the Cougars. Freya Murgatroyd played some beautiful balls up the left wing, allowing Harriet Haddy to dribble up the line and cross the ball back into the D. After a Sidmouth foot inside the D and short corner was given. A strong and accurate push in from Charley Adams allowed for an unproblematic pick up from Baker, who slipped it left to captain Laura Favis who’s signature sweep left the ball, unsurprisingly in the back of the net, making the score 3-0.

Budgen continued to protect Cougar’s goal on multiple occasions throughout the second half and was only unlucky one time where Sidmouth were eventually successful on a short corner with a lifted ball into the right side of the net.

Adams, Lottie Sutherland and Moore did some great triangles down the centre of the pitch allowing quick attacks and further shots at goal. Both Sutherland and Nicky Sheppard crossed in multiple balls from the right, however Cougars were unlucky to not be able to gain anything out of these. On the 49th minute a push from Cara Yeoman from the top of the D, that was cleverly left by Sheppard, left the cougars now 4-1 up.

Alex MacKenzie smoothly took a ball from the opposition allowing the Cougars a chance to change direction of play and attack with a overload of their own players. Mackenzie played the ball to Moore who crossed it to Baker, who’s hit made no mistake to add another goal onto the score.

At 66 minutes, the score reached 6-1 when Sutherland made a run up the wing, followed by a strong push to Moore who challenged the goalie to a one-on-one, finishing with the ball, once again, inside the goal. This was shortly followed by the final whistle.

Player of the match was joint between Tess Baker who worked hard holding the midfield and youngest player Freya Murgatroyd impressing at left back.

Thank you to the match ball sponsor Wilkins Productions and scrum v catering for hot teas after the match. This weekend the 2nd team travel to Totnes to face Dart 3rd team, push back 2pm, all support very welcome.

Report by Cara Yeoman