Petroc League 1

Kingsbridge and Salcombe Cougars 2

Dartmouth battled bravely against the unbeaten league leaders in a tense and physical match played at Torquay Grammar School for Girls due to the home pitch still being unavailable.

Not having any field practice since their last match in early December, Dartmouth were understandably wary of what lay ahead, with the Cougars unbeaten in the league this season.

However, they set about their tasks well and frustrated K and S for long periods as the defence of Julie Pillar, Chloe (The Cat) Edwards and Bonny (Tyler) Chivers held firm.

Local derbies always have that edge and drama with key players going head to head for long periods and with no goals being scored tensions rose, leading to a yellow card and sin bin for Siobhan (Bone Crusher) Edwards and her opposite number.

To Dartmouth's credit they not only held their own but nearly scored in the first half, but nil nil was to be the score at the half way mark.

New stand-in coaches Jeff Hunt and Will Lockerbie gave the Dartmouth ladies nothing but praise and a few points for Dartmouth to take back on to the court for the second half.

With confidence growing, Dartmouth came out of the blocks with vigour in the second half and a lovely piece of passing play through Shin Patel and Lucy (The Assassin) Pillar released sister Hannah (The Sage) Pillar, who drove across the D and smashed home a lovely shot to gain the lead.

Dartmouth, now playing some really good hockey, had the Cougars on the ropes and with some good passing between Jamie Rendle, Di Bradley, Alix Vincent and Shinel Patel, Dartmouth were a force to be reckoned with, but could not convert further attacks into goals.

K and S upped the pressure and attacked relentlessly until a deliberate foul from player of the match Hannah Pillar brought the first penalty decision.

Goalie Ellie Malley was very unlucky as she palmed the flick away only to see it agonisingly fall inside the post.

With twenty minutes to go and everything to play for the umpires had to speak to both captains and calm a few tempers so it did not spoil the match.

K and S were now pushing hard and creating numerous short corners that were bravely defended, but all the action in Dartmouth's D led to the second and cruellest penalty of the day as a ball struck Chloe Edwards in the face on the line following a deflection off her stick.

Rules are rules and following an umpire discussion, the penalty was awarded and despatched. Dartmouth tried hard to make amends, but tired near the end. A lot of positives can be taken from this match and they will be needed with tough games against all the top sides in the coming weeks.

Hannah Pillar was named man of the match but to be honest, it could have been anyone of the players that took part, even Jodie Chater who couldn't play but still turned up and supported along with the Edwards contingent, Sausage Hammond and  Aaron Hunt.

Well done girls and keep the faith.

The club issues its grateful thanks to the Edwards clan from Riyadh for their kind match sponsorship.