Kingsbridge & Salcombe Ladies 1st produced a composed and clinical performance on Saturday 7 March, securing a 5–3 home victory against third placed Ashmoor 1s.

The hosts made an ideal start. A superb early cross from Julia cut through the Ashmoor defence, leaving Violet perfectly placed to tap home and give Kingsbridge an immediate lead.

With the defensive unit well set and organised, KS absorbed pressure effectively, and built lots of attacking opportunities. KS’s second goal came from a beautifully constructed move down the right. A crisp sequence of passes between Maddie, Violet and Charley opened up space in front of goal, where Kerly was perfectly poised to finish confidently and double the advantage.

Five minutes into the second half, Ashmoor struck back. An aerial ball dropped awkwardly for the defence, allowing a high hit to slip through and reduce the deficit to 2–1.

The response from Kingsbridge was exactly what was needed: composed possession, patient build up, and increasing pressure in the attacking third. Their efforts were rewarded with another penalty corner, which Amy dispatched cleanly to restore the two goal cushion.

Moments later, a dangerous tackle on Julia in the D earned Kingsbridge a penalty flick. Kerly stepped up with calm authority and slotted the ball past the keeper to extend the lead to 4–1.

KS’s fifth goal came from yet another well worked penalty corner. A series of composed passes around the D created the opening, and Budge reacted sharply to scoop the ball into the back of the net.

The final ten minutes saw a slight dip KS's defensive concentration, allowing Ashmoor to score twice in quick succession. However, Kingsbridge held firm through the closing stages, and the final whistle confirmed a deserved 5–3 victory.

Thank you to Mark and Neil for their excellent officiating of the game and to Creeks End for post-match teas.