KINGSBRIDGE and Salcombe's captain Helen Symons scored twice as the Cougars clipped the wings of high-flying Dart. The girls only managed to secure the services of an umpire at the 11th hour, but did not let this distraction affect them as they inflicted only the second defeat of the season on the league leaders.

They were also without coach Ash Wyeth, who was away on holiday, but regular supporters Mikey Dennis and Chris and Dave Guard made up for his absence with their vocal encouragement from the sidelines.

Dart started very well and immediately put a Cougars' defence under pressure which was without sweeper Claire Jones.

Returning superstar Gem Harvey stepped up to the challenge at right back and showed she had not forgotten what Cougars' domination is all about.

While Dart had the majority of the possession, the Cougars managed some fine attacking play, could sense an opportunity and were ready to pounce.

Matriarch of the midfield Bex Darke directed the forward play beautifully, switching the ball out wide and pulling Dart apart. Sarah Budgen and Chloe Harvey had blinding games, with both coming excruciatingly close to getting on the scoresheet. With no goals at half-time, the Cougars kept it positive to maintain the tempo and knew a goal was on the cards.

Right on cue, vice-captain Darke risked life and limb as she pounced on a loose ball and give the Cougars their first goal.

The Cougars maintained an impressive level of concentration and focus, determined to put the Dart team to bed.

The forwards of Nic Bowes, Heather Jo Webber and captain Helen Symons were making some fine passes and continued to come close.

The Cougars won many short corners and were only inches away from extending their lead.

Fresh legs were rolled on for the fast paced game, with super-subs Hannah Durrans and Abi Bell not allowing any let-up on the Dart defence.

The Cougars eventually got their second goal when Symons ran down the pitch and looked to cross the ball to Nic Bowes.

The ball came back over to Symons, who slotted it in to the back of the net. Emily Read had her finest game of the season, obviously taking inspiration from 'Mummy bear' Lou Read, who worked tirelessly at sweeper alongside Fi Wadey at the back.

Read junior was awarded player of the match for her tireless efforts; she has a huge amount of talent and the club are really excited about seeing her evolve as a player.

Goalkeeper Hayley Russell was not kept so busy during the second half as the Cougars had Dart on lockdown. Russell still had to be on her toes when Dart did slip through the net on the odd occasion and saved any shot on goal.

The Cougars got their final goal after Webber found Symons in the middle of the pitch. Symons ran the ball down the pitch and into the D and finally ran the ball and the goalkeeper over the line.

The club would like to thank the supporters who turned up on a cold and windy Saturday morning to cheer them on. Tomorrow, the girls are away to Exeter and Culm Vale Hornets, eager to exact revenge for their defeat to the same opponents in last year's Devon Trophy final.