North Devon Hockey Club hit Isca for seven in another thumping win

Bolstered by a showstopping goal difference and a 100% win record from their opening three clashes, North Devon Men’s 2s arrived at their home turf full of confidence to take on Isca 7s.

Benefitting from the speed and fitness of impressive young debutants and the wisdom of more experienced squad members, what ensued was another tremendous display for the ages.

In the opening exchanges, North set the pace, capitalising on some stray passes in the middle of the park. Working forward, the hosts sought new openings with each passing minute while Isca remained steadfast at the back.

The visitors’ admirable defensive line would not, however, hold out for long: Brad Bellingham continued his scoring streak with a fine, composed strike to give North the lead. Isca’s early tenacity was undone and the home side grew hungry for more.

Following a bravura penalty corner routine, Craig Carruthers latched on to the ball eight yards out, spun Isca’s right back into a daze and fired the ball into the corner to double their advantage.

Undeterred, Isca fought back with promise, fashioning some bold counter-attacking hockey. Alas, their forays were thwarted by North’s fortress-like back four, leaving them with a handful of speculative efforts that left Ash Sansone unchallenged between the sticks.

North duly exploited: Brad Bellingham coolly dispatched his second, followed not long after by a fine near-post finish from Hendrik de Beer.

Isca began the second half with renewed purpose, unwilling to let the scoreline deter them from giving it their best. Their steely press was determined but, ultimately, gave them little reward.

The hosts gladly picked them off on the counter, passing well and breaking into their opponents’ D time and again. Flummoxing Isca’s backline in one such move, Bellingham collected the ball near the top of the D and played it to Carruthers, who gratefully tapped home for his brace.

Enjoying the space the away team were affording North through the middle, Ben Cox added a cleanly struck sixth, shortly before de Beer rounded off the scoreline at the far post, latching on to a pass on the reverse from Carruthers.

Another excellent result against a physical and well-drilled side. The hosts remain top in West Open/Men’s Riviera Division 2.

Elsewhere, the Men’s 1s lost narrowly 2-1 against Exeter University 6s, the Ladies’ 1s beat Tiverton White Eagles 1s 0-3 on the road, and the Ladies’ 2s lost 2-4 at home to Isca 4s.