North Devon victories mark the new hockey season

North Devon Hockey Club Men’s 2nds travelled to Exeter to meet Isca Men’s 6s in a hard-fought clash on the opening day of the new season, with the away side ultimately claiming the spoils in a satisfying 0-2 win.

The match began in much the same way it would continue, with both teams fighting gallantly to find space through the middle and down the flanks while keeping the pace and tempo high.

For a time, the hosts penned North back, preventing much in the way of counter-attacks and forward momentum for the Reds. The visitors’ defensive line stood strong and foiled a number of penalty corners, frustrating Isca and keeping the score level.

Buoyed by their stalwart defending, the visitors’ midfield and attack began to exploit areas in Isca’s back line and their resolve was rewarded when, following a determined foray into the D and a dizzying melee in which the sides scrambled for the ball, Matt Upward pounced and drove home the opener at close range.

The second half saw both sides continue to drive forward and work for one another, with good communication all round and some exciting, end-to-end hockey for the onlookers on the sidelines to savour.

Showing little in the way of tiredness, North continued to keep the hosts at bay as they ploughed ahead in search of an equaliser. The Reds stood firm and, in the closing minutes, broke past their opponents’ high press into the D, where Micah Upward’s clean strike was illegally stopped, handing North a penalty stroke at the death.

Having switched to 11 outfield players, Isca were without their ‘keeper between the sticks and Bradley Bellingham converted to make the final score 0-2.

Elsewhere, North Devon Ladies 1s continued their flawless 100% start in a super 4-2 win over Tiverton White Eagles 1s, showing great poise and togetherness at home to overcome a tricky visiting side and climb to second in the table on goal difference only.

North Devon Ladies 2s travelled to Exeter to play a spirited, youthful Exeter 4s side and, despite a narrow 0-1 defeat, saw a host of new and returning faces begin to gel effectively, especially in defence, providing great promise to build on.

North Devon Men’s 1s hosted high-flying Ocean City Men’s 1s in a difficult match that saw the visitors triumph 2-7, topping the table.

Despite promising flashes in attack, with goals from Josh Thorne and Giles Rowden, the away side seized the momentum and three points with panache.