North Devon too strong for the mighty Isca

This Saturday, North Devon 1st XI came up against the largest hockey club in the South West, ISCA, writes Sam Kirkness.

North Devon’s slick passing and fast attacking play soon put ISCA on the back foot. The goals started flowing, supported by some inspirational aerial passing and goal scoring from man of the match Guy Cockcroft, a faint touch past the keeper in the middle of the half by soon-to-be-father Josh Thorne, some reliable finishing by his distant relative Ash Thorne and all sorts of other great stuff. 

In the first half, North Devon’s short corner routines were not as well oiled as they had been earlier in the season, with members of the team left visibly confused by some of the calling, but it didn’t prevent them going into half time with a satisfying 4 - 0 lead.

With a boost from their half time oranges, North Devon came out with a zing in their step in the second half, passing the ball well in all areas of the pitch and finding a settled pattern of play, although Isca did pinch a consolation goal.

Chances also fell to North Devon though, including a miracle save that prevented Sam Kirkness from initially making the score sheet (which for some reason humoured the increasingly rowdy crowd), but he soon corrected that with a drag flick goal in open play.

There were a few further missed chances by both teams in the second half, with North Devon’s misses going relatively un-noticed amongst team-mates, but ISCA struggled to capitalise at the other end until later in the half when they were able to finish a further well-worked short corner routine.

North Devon’s legs had tired by the last 10 minutes of the game, apart from Guy Cockcroft’s, demonstrated by his desire to enjoy a short burst in centre midfield. However, they held out for a very satisfactory 5 - 2 win and go into next week’s fixture against Devonport with a new spring in their step. 

The North Devon crowd went away with visible aches and pains in their legs, but you could really sense the joy and relief in their hearts.

North Devon 2nds went down to a 4-1 defeat at Ocean City 2nds.