The sun was shining and glistening on the sea, but, with only 10 players on the Honiton team, against a squad of some 15 girls and a crisp wind blowing, the weekend’s match on the South Devon coast got off to an energetic start which tested the visitors’ stamina and resilience to the limit.

However, the match was played in good spirits and Honiton managed to contain most of the home side’s onslaughts - although quite a number of shots on goal went wide, which gave the visitors some respite!

Nevertheless, Teignmouth succeeded in getting the ball across the goal line twice during the first half.

As the second half started, the home side must have felt that it should be able to add substantially to its score since they had the advantage of rolling players.

But five minutes into the half, it was Honiton’s Becky Bond who scored the first of her side’s two goals when she slammed the ball at an angle towards the goal. It clipped the inner edge of the goal post, causing it to ricochet over the goal line into the opposite corner of the goal, before bounding out again.

Some while later a penalty corner was awarded to Honiton and Sophie George, receiving the pass from Jean Herniman, just outside the circle, moved across the line from where she sped the ball towards the goal. It caught a defender’s stick, altering its angle and confusing the home side’s defence, shooting across the line and into the back of the net.

It would have pleased Honiton greatly if that had been the extent of the goal scoring, since a draw would have been a marvellous result against such a strong side, but the home side was able to add a further goal in the dying minutes of the match.

?Practices continue to take place each Tuesday evening from 8 - 9.30pm at Cullompton (by kind invitation of and in conjunction with, Culm Vale Hornets Hockey Club).Transport leaves from Dowell St car park at 7.30pm. If any girls (over 16) or ladies, regardless of current skills, would like to join these sessions, and require transport, please be at the meeting place by 7.30 pm.

You will be made most welcome.