Premier Division 2B

KS Cougars 2,

Shepton Mallet 0

After a frustrating match against league leaders Newquay the previous week, a reinvigorated KS took the the field on Saturday, fired up to get back to their true form.

Captain Chloe Har­vey led by example as KS piled on the pressure straight from pushback.

The Cougars were rampant for the opening 20 minutes, controlling play in the Shepton Mallet half and building strong opportunities around their opponents’ D.

The level of pressure applied by the Kings­bridge side takes nothing away from Shepton Mallet, who were playing some superb structured hockey.

The Cougars were soon creating chance upon chance but were finding it difficult to convert due to some staunch defending.

Undeterred, KS continued to work hard as Shepton broke well to counter at every opportunity.

Lou Read played a pivotal role at centre-half, directing the midfield and co-ordinating the solid press that KS delivered.

Gemma Samuel de­livered a great work­rate on the wings to close in on the angles when supporting opposite side attacks and leading back out to create width.

Countering the Shep­ton breaks, Rachel Roberts was quick to apply pressure to the ball carrier to disrupt the play and epitomised the defensive awareness the back five showed throughout.

Making a solid debut, Bella Slade put in great spells on both wings as she gained valuable experience in the firsts’ setup.

With play flowing end to end late into the first half, Gemma Har­vey picked up a green card for an overly vocal grumble, earning a short rest on the sideline.

Fern Tucker was on fine form, putting in a fantastic effort on the wings in both attacking and defensive responsibilities as well as supporting the frequent KS breaks superbly.

As the half drew to a close, a turnover in midfield saw vice-captain Helen Symons drive clear, pick up Laura Kerly’s movement off her marker and deliver the perfect pass for Kerly to pick up in space.

Powering clear, Ker­ly couldn’t be caught, angling right and slipping in a classy finish under the keeper to give KS the lead going into half time.

KS continued to up their game in the second half as Gemma Harvey and Fi Wadey linked well on the right.

Symons turned provider again for the Cougars’ second goal, picking up from a loose ball and rolling a pass for Kerly to run on to. Through on the ‘keeper again, Kerly managed her angles well to create the slot, passing the ball home with a lovely stick and ball finish.

Shepton continued to deliver great build up play and and pushed KS hard at every opportunity, but KS ‘keeper Claire Jones was vocal in directing her defence and quick to claim any loose balls.

The Cougars continued to create scoring opportunities and were unlucky not to extend the scoreline before the final whistle blew on an outstanding performance.

At hearty post match teas at home pub The Church House Inn, Churchstow, Fi Wadey pipped Lou Read to take the player-of-the-match award for a stunning performance, join­ed by Rachel Roberts as coaches’ player.

Sunday saw another great game from the Cougars twos to win 6-0 against Plymouth Uni, with Lottie Suther­land, Katie Flintham (2), Heather Mockridge (2) and Cara Yeoman scoring the goals.

This Saturday sees KS playing at home against Team Bath Buccaneers.

Following the match the Cougars annual raffle prize draw will take place at the KCC pitch, with the winning tickets drawn by 1988 Olympic gold medal hero Sean Kerly.

The club would love to see you all there supporting and welcoming a legend to the Cou­gars’ home pitch.