KS Cougars 2,

Isca fifths 0

In the closing stages of this year's title push KS took on close rivals Isca fifths last Saturday. 

After a hard fought 1-0 victory last time the teams met, KS took on a slick Isca side in a great game of hockey which saw quality moments from both teams.

KS began the game strongly, with several early chances flashing across the face of goal and Fern Tucker unlucky not to convert four minutes in.

Isca were defending well to make the Cougars work for their chances.

Upgrading well for a short corner after 15 minutes, a crisp stick stop from captain Nic Bowes set up the drag flick from Symons, who lashed home to give KS the lead.

Fern Tucker used the width on the left to link well with Sarah Budgen as KS looked to extend their lead.

With 27 minutes gone another upgrade in the D saw Symons switch the short corner strike out to Lou Read, who fired towards goal on the angle.

Running in from the injection, vice-captain Chloe Harvey applied the magic touch with a neat last-second deflection past the stranded 'keeper to take KS 2-0 up.

Breaking at half-time KS were very quiet and a little off their usual match pace so looked for a pick up in the second half.

With both sides restarting well, the game swung end to end for 10 minutes in a great spell of hockey. Rachel Roberts and Gemma Harvey held firm at the back in protecting the KS lead as 'keeper Claire Jones dived to sweep her lines clear under pressure.

With 12 minutes gone in the second half the Cougars' in-house MD Adam Morris was called upon again to patch up an injury.

From a quick clearance and superb ball down the line, captain Nic Bowes broke from the halfway point and powered down the line with a lovely reverse carry, outpacing her markers and closing in on the Isca goal.

As she broke into the D and attacked the left post the Isca 'keeper advanced slightly off her line but did not go for the usual sliding interception and stayed on her feet. As Bowes drove in 'keeper and captain connected, with the fearless KS leader coming off the worst as a clatter of head and helmet left her dazed and bleeding from a split cheek. 

Some quick attention and quality sticky taping from Dr Morris saw Bowes on her way to South Hams Hospital for a check-up as the Cougars readjusted their formation.

Following a post match update Bowes was lucky enough to avoid stitches and made it home in time for the rugby and a recovery beer.

The game resumed with KS holding the upper hand in terms of possession and pressure but unable to convert more chances.

Tess Morris was denied on the line and Bex Darke saw two blistering shots steered narrowly wide by the Isca 'keeper.

Emily Read continued to cause trouble, breaking from the right-half position as midfield matriarch Lou Read controlled play from the centre. Freya Pearce delivered a superb spell on the wings and saw a rifled shot well saved to keep the score at 2-0 to the final whistle.

Over some excellent match teas at home pub the Kings Arms Rachel Roberts and Lou Read shared the woman-of-the-match award for two great performances.

Although the Cougars made hard work of it on occasion, the win sees KS protect their league lead of six points with two games left to play as they travel away to Honiton this weekend.