Cougars held to a draw by Torbay

Before the game could even start last weekend the pitch had to be swept after heavy rain made a huge puddle at one end of the pitch but the Cougars were ready for battle against Torbay seconds. Torbay gained possession of the ball at the start of the game however, Kingsbridges defence marked well and managed to clear the ball out of the D on several occasions. Coming up to half time a clearance from Nicky Shepard in defence sent the ball up into midfield. Despite Torbay making some strong tackles, Captain Laura Favis managed to drive forwards and pass the ball to Julie Lee who was in the D. Julie crossed the ball into Heather Mockridge from the right, after a bit of a scramble, Mockridge managed to score giving the Cougars a 1-0 lead. The Cougars continued working hard and goal keeper Sarah Budgen made some good saves keeping the Cougars ahead through till half time.

Kingsbridge and Salcombe maintained a good defence with some fantastic jab tackles from Lauren Darbyshire and they worked hard getting the ball through to the forwards. Although, despite trying hard to prevent Torbay from getting the ball into the D they managed to gain a short corner in which they scored a goal bringing the score to a 1-1 draw. Kingsbridge kept their heads up and communicated well to send the ball up to their goal and get a shot away. Torbay relentlessly fought back and both teams got a few short corners but no more goals were scored. It was a great game from the Cougars who continue to improve, with player of the match going to Laura Favis for pushing through the opposition using her great skills and hard work in midfield.

Thank you to Scrum v Catering for post match teas and to match ball sponsor Darbyshire Care Ltd. This weekend sees the 2s traveling to Exeter to face Exe 5s push back 11 all support very welcome!

All members of the hockey club would like to wish Chloe Harvey, Helen Symons, Lou Read and Emily Read all the very best as they set off on their epic journey to row across the Atlantic, we will be with you every stroke of the way girls. They are raising funds for Devon Air ambulance and would really appreciate anything you can give, please go to their website www.astro-to-atlantic.co.uk for more details and you will also be able to follow their progress and read their blogs. Good Luck Ladies bring it home.

Report by Katie Flintham