ARRIVING in Dawlish, the energy of Kingsbridge & Salcombe Hockey Club’s first team continued with some comments of concern that the team had forgotten this was still a league match and we had 30 more goals to score to reach the goal of 100 in a season, writes Sarah Budgen.

From the whistle, KS linked eight passes that brought the Cougars into the Dawlish D with their first touch being a foot, giving the Cougars their first and second opportunity at a short corner. These were defended well but it was not long until Emma Howell got into her flow and scored Cougars’ first goal at five minutes. A pattern started forming and KS scored at 10 and 15 minutes. Unfortunately, it took until minute 24 for Gen McBride to slip one past the ‘keeper and 34 minutes for Lisa to put herself on the scoresheet.

Laura Kerly managed to break the forcefield around the goal that was preventing her scoring in the first half and smashed in two goals after the break. Not quite happy with her three goals, Emma kept her composure in a one-on-one with the ‘keeper and scored her fourth. The full-time score was 8-0 to KS.

Thank you to all the umpires and The Creeks End for delicious teas. Huge thanks to everyone who has been part of the squad this year; it has been a positive, enjoyable season where some fantastic hockey has been played.

THIS week was the last game of the season for the second team, who were at home against Devonport Services. There was a lot of pressure on this match as these were the top two teams in the league with a small points difference – the winner would be league champions.

Islay Box made a great run down the line early and pushed the ball effortlessly into the back of the net. Starting out with a quick lead built confidence and the pressure stayed on. Poppy Booth scored the second goal of the match with her backhand hit that shot the ball up into the netting. Poppy then pushed the ball across the net, forcing their defender to score an own goal.

Devonport put up the pressure. Nicky Sheppard stayed strong in the middle and marked their hard hitters out of the game. Sophie Lake was in goal this week and kept her composure. She stopped every ball going her way. JL Marlin stopped more than one goal on the line and made some excellent clearances.

After KS got past the short corners, they took back control of the match. Both Islay and Poppy scored again and the game finished 5-0 to KSHC 2s, meaning they were crowned champions.