The Kingsbridge and Salcombe Cougars second team come into the Christmas break at second place in the Plymouth Sunday Friendly League.
This season is the first time that Kingsbridge and Salcombe have fielded a second team and although it has been a steep learning curve for all involved, the team has developed very quickly.
The opening matches were two friendlies held in September. Both matches, one against Mannamead and one against Tavistock, were close losses for the new team.
The first league match showed the team’s potential as they beat Plymouth University 14-1, and with six different scorers on the sheet, the new season looked promising.
The rematch between the sides also saw KS seconds take three points with a 6-0 win.
Next KS played Plym Valley at home. This was to be an end-to-end match, with the seconds coming away with the win in a very hard-fought game with only one goal scored.
Coming into the last match before Christmas the league table had KS seconds in second place just below Tavistock but with two games in hand.
KS seconds welcomed Tavistock at home but knew they needed to pull off a win to keep a chance of winning the league this season.
It was end to end play with both teams fighting hard for the ball. All of KS seconds gave a fantastic performance, showing their drive to win the game and this was rewarded in the first half with them going one up.
Tavistock kept attacking and driving the ball in to the D, KS seconds were unlucky when Tavistock scored.
Going into the second half and at 1-1 it was all to play for.
KS seconds continued to fight for the ball, worked hard off the ball and used the width well; every player was supporting each other.
Against play Tavistock put one away and the seconds went down to 2-1.
All the players kept on battling hard to try and get a goal back, with one player taking the ball hard to her knee and being taken off. The whistle blew and KS were very unlucky to lose 2-1.
KS seconds go into the Christmas break in second place in the Plymouth Friendly League and still one game in hand, it is all to play for in the new season.
The players are Erin Murgatroyd, Grace Collacott, Lottie Sutherland, Anna McCabe, Ella Thompson, Charlotte Budgen, Alex MacKenzie, Cara Yeoman, Heather Mockridge, Katie Flintham, Katie Merrin, Nina Hardy, Lauren Darbyshire, Jasmine Griffin and Kai Thomas.
The KS seconds would like to thank Horizon Yacht Charters Caribbean for sponsoring the team shirts and the players’ parents for supporting on the sides and making the post-match teas.
If you are interested in playing hockey, whether it is something new or you have not played since school, then everyone is welcome to training on Thursdays, 6pm-7pm, at KCC all-weather pitch. For more information please contact 07772 212196.
If you are looking for a more supportive role, the club would welcome any volunteers, especially if you are interested in coaching or umpiring. Please do not hesitate to contact us.