North Devon conquer high-flying Devonport

Kicking off the second half of their campaign following the Christmas break, North Devon Hockey Club Men’s 1s hosted Devonport Men’s 1 in what would prove a memorable clash for the home side.

With North sat mid-table at the end of the first half of the season and Devonport comfortably in second and seeking promotion, the game offered some much-needed points for both sides.

North Devon began strongly with some lovely collective hockey across the park, slowly building up in possession and attacking formidably as a team. This paid off when North took the lead through a classic short-range strike, blasted past the ‘keeper at a tight angle by Peter Smale.

Not content to rest on their laurels, North continued in the same vein: following some great movement from Ben Cox to create extra space, Matt Brown collected the ball in the centre of the pitch and, with eagle-eyed aplomb, spotted Ashley Thorne running towards the D.

Latching on to Brown’s fine pass from halfway across the pitch, Thorne – unmarked – found the back of the net to double North’s advantage.

However, Devonport would respond strongly, scoring two goals in quick succession from both a short corner and open play. Undeterred North won a short corner just as the whistle for half time was blown. With the last play of the half, Joe Taylor Richards deflected the ball into the goal to restore the hosts’ lead.

Much like in the first period, North Devon flew out of the blocks in the second, maintaining an intense forward press and keeping the ball well. Despite the building intensity, the visiting ‘keeper parried shot after shot to keep his side in contention, denying at least half of North’s players from ratcheting up the scoreline.

Soon, however, the home side’s pressure told when Joe Taylor Richards managed to convert a second, followed soon after by a fine finish from Finlay Cumiskey.

Holding firm, North saw the game out for an excellent 5-2 win: a table-climbing victory that will give them the momentum they need to take on another high-flying side next week.

Elsewhere, North Devon Men’s 2s met Exeter Men’s 3s in an ill-tempered and dubiously officiated match that would see the hosts claim a narrow 1-0 victory. North will feel aggrieved by the undeserved defeat but will no doubt build on a strong performance.

North Devon Ladies’ 1s swept Sidmouth and Ottery Ladies’ 2s aside with flair, in a comprehensive 5-1 win characterised by strong passing and an intense forward press.

Despite a valiant effort away from home, North Devon Ladies’ 2s fell to a 3-0 defeat against Honiton Hornets Ladies’ 1s. With improvements in defence and through the middle, the team will look to build on their progress next week.