North Devon savour spoils in narrow win over Exeter Uni

On a cold Sunday afternoon, a hastily rescheduled fixture took place in Exeter, with North Devon Hockey Club Men’s 1s keen to continue their push towards the top of the league against the University of Exeter Men’s 6s.

Youth was not exactly on the side of the North Devonians, but with age often comes wisdom, and North Devon had this in abundance, producing a cool, calm and collected performance.

Ball retention, tactics and wise heads proved to be the trump card over the exuberance of the students, and North Devon took a 1-0 lead into half time due to a well-executed penalty corner routine leading to an opening goal for Sam Kirkness.

The second half started as the first finished, with North Devon utilising their guile and panache. Shots from Pete Smale and Josh Thorne would, on another day, have extended the lead, but for a solid performance from the Exeter goaltender.

A 1-0 lead is never secure, and this was shown after an uncharacteristic mistake from the usually dependable Guy Cockcroft, dispossessed in midfield, leading to an Exeter equaliser.

But these wily old heads had seen their fair share of close games, and North Devon were never going to be overwhelmed.

Stout defending from man of the match Oscar Spear set up a slick counter-attack, with interplay between Ben Cox and Joe Taylor Richards, leaving Ash Thorne with the ball clear through on goal. With the goalkeeper at his mercy, Thorne declined the glory for himself, and slid the perfect pass to the back post, for Smale to touch home and take back the lead.

North Devon then settled back and watched the students throw men forward, even pulling their goalkeeper for an extra field player, but it wasn’t enough and three more points went home to North Devon.

Sitting pretty in third place in the league, with a well-deserved rest week the following weekend, North Devon will be aiming to keep pushing up the table, with second place a real possibility.

Elsewhere, North Devon Ladies’ 1s continued their dominance with a fine 4-1 win over Honiton Hornets Ladies’ 1s. Producing their characteristic flair in passing and attack, they swept the visitors aside to stay hot on Isca’s heels at the top and remain the league’s top team on goal difference.

North Devon Ladies’ 2s travelled to Exeter to meet table-toppers Isca Ladies’ 2s in what would prove a difficult encounter. Despite tremendous recent improvements, including two vital home wins, Isca’s resolute block and efficiency going forward rewarded them with a 7-0 win.

North Devon Men’s 2s met table-toppers Ashmoor Men’s 2s in what they knew would be an arduous match. Despite a fearless and tenacious display with a depleted squad and an enterprising debut for Ethan Jones in goal, Ashmoor consolidated their 100% run with a 9-0 victory.