North Devon 2nds trounce Ashmoor in thrilling bounce-back win

For their sixth outing of the campaign, North Devon Hockey Club Men’s 2nds travelled to Totnes to take on Ashmoor Men’s 3s in Totnes.

While the hosts had proven a thorn in the visitors’ side in recent seasons, North – refreshed from the much-needed half-term break – would quell any concern in a dominant and sure-handed display.

The match began with something of a frenzied tempo from the visiting side, attacking the hosts’ defensive line with boisterous zeal and producing some unnecessary stick tackles in their determination to get off to a strong start.

Gradually, however, they calmed things down and began to pass the ball effectively, making great use of space in behind Ashmoor’s trailing midfield.

The deadlock was broken 15 minutes in when, after steadying himself in the centre of the D, Toby Spear stroked the ball assuredly on the reverse into the bottom corner to give North a deserved lead.

Noticeably deterred by the deficit, Ashmoor began to make silly mistakes, seized upon by North in some impressive counter-attacking play. Before the break, they doubled their lead when, from the top of the D, Ethan Jones hit a fine ball on the reverse into the net past Ashmoor’s advancing ‘keeper.

At the outset of the second half, North enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, frustrating the hosts and keeping anything in the way of a meaningful comeback at bay. At the 10-minute mark, Scott Paddon retrieved the ball in the D and dispatched coolly to put the contest well and truly to bed.

With North in the driving seat and relishing their attacking prowess, Paddon followed up with a second soon after to compound the home side’s misery. Despite this, to their immense credit, Ashmoor fought on and upped the ante slightly, working hard down the flanks in an effort to muster something of note.

Alas, North’s stalwart defence – backed by fearless goalkeeping debutant Jack McGarry – withstood the pressure. While the match was drawing to a close by this point, the visitors maintained their bravura intensity and capped off a stellar scoring display when Toby Spear struck his second and North’s fifth from the middle of the D.

Despite a consolation goal for Ashmoor from a penalty corner very late on, the away side relished their triumph at the final whistle.

Elsewhere, the Men’s 1s thrashed Duchy 1s 5-0 at home in a dominant display, the Ladies’ 1s produced an astounding 1-10 win on the road against Sidmouth & Ottery 2s, and the Ladies’ 2s earned a point against Taunton Vale 4s in a dogged 2-2 draw.