Premier Division 2B

Isca thirds 1,

KS Cougars 1

KS travelled to Exeter last weekend for their first away game of the season.

Both sides started at a blistering pace on the fast running water based astro as Lou and Emily Read contested the midfield against their opposite numbers, pulling the KS formation forwards to support the end to end play.

Laura Kerly broke through early on and collided the Isca ‘keeper as they raced in for a 50/50 ball, but brushed off the crunch to look dangerous throughout.

With Isca playing quick hockey and attacking through the left side, Rachel Roberts and Gemma Harvey worked tirelessly.

Roberts stepped out to make key picks from breaking attackers and Harvey marshalled her support players and used the frequent KS attacks as an opportunity to carry the ball strongly.

With constant rotations through the wings, Natalie Elliott and Sarah Budgen put the miles in as they ran the width and tracked back in a flat out effort.

Isca broke the deadlock first as they converted from a well-placed shot that needed a deflection to beat ’keeper Claire Jones.

In contrast, KS played much better hockey than the previous two weeks as their structured build-up play was creating stronger chances than the home side.

They were rewarded when a wide receive at top D forced a change to the planned routine, which saw quick thinking play the ball out wide to Bex Darke on the right. Picking up the slip, Darke eased into the D and slapped a deflected shot home to bring KS all square.

Stepping up another gear, KS continued to pile on the pressure as captain Chloe Harvey and vice-captain Helen Symons linked dangerously.

Mel Showler took a rifled ball to the foot which ended a stellar performance 10 minutes from time, Gemma Samuels taking over for the closing spell to round off a great birthday game.

With every member of the squad doing their part in defending against the Isca attacks, it’s a fine testament to the squad that despite their best efforts Isca were denied a single short corner.

With the clock counting down the final minutes, Isca managed to break and played a slick give and go to break into the KS D and get away a quick shot at goal which Jones foiled with an amazing double save.

Despite an almost constant press for the last 10 minutes, KS couldn’t find the final killer touch and had to settle for a draw, unlucky not to take all three points which they had earned with the quality of their build-up play and connected passing.

Over post-match teas Fi Wadey ran away with the woman of the match votes with a great match, owning the left side and looking sharp.

The Cougars are using their mid-season break next weekend for a two-day coaching weekend with partners One Hockey before returning to action at home to Teign on November 7.