Netball joy for Petroc but North Devon Hockey Club beaten

Petroc netball started their season in fine style, beating Weston College 43-7 with a dominant display of quality netball. 

Playing their first ever game at their new home, North Devon Leisure Centre, the girls eased into the game and built a lead gradually. 

There were a lot of very good performances throughout the team, which showed the value of the pre-season programme that Petroc ran this year, getting this year's and last year's students playing together early.

After half time, coach Cheryl Little tried a few players in different positions and the points kept coming with Petroc ending up victorious with a 43-7 result.  The player of the match was awarded to Annalise Roome.

Both Petroc and the away team commented on how good playing at the Leisure Centre feels, with excellent modern facilities for all to use. The club are looking forward to making it "Fortress Tarka" across all teams this season.

On the hockey pitch, North Devon HC endured a tough start to the West Men’s Division 2 season, as they were punished by a ruthless Exeter City, who prevailed with a 4-0 win on their home turf.

Exeter were very strong in the opening stages and, despite some top goalkeeping from Sam Wormington, they grabbed an early lead. Ashley Thorne came close to an equaliser as North Devon gradually grew into the game.

Exeter came out firing after the break and the second goal was a killer blow, as the hosts then ran away with the tie, adding two more to their tally.

"We defended well against a well organised side for most of the match," said centre-midfielder Sam Kirkness, after the final whistle.

"However, it begins to get tiring. We need to do some more work on keeping possession and creating opportunities at the other end of the pitch, if we are going to compete with the stronger teams in this league."

There was a better result for North Devon 2nds, who secured a comfortable win over Exeter 3rds. Tom Ware, Brad Bellingham (2) and Will Friend scored the goals in a 4-1 triumph, with the second half performance particularly impressive.