It was a drizzly drive into Totnes for the first game in February. Nikki set the tone to include lots of grit and determination by the literal grit on her face.

With a team chat focussing on maintaining the attacking style KS have been showing in recent games, the team was fired up and ready to continue their dominance in the league. From the first whistle, Dart 2s demonstrated us that they were in the game to show their best and we’re playing at a level higher than KS were used to. There were some lovely passages of play for both teams. The first magnificent play came from a cracking ball from Rachel Saunders at right back inside the defender to be picked up on 25 by Poppy Booth who slipped it forward to Emma Howell who drove along the base line with a lovely cross to be smashed into the back of the goal by Maddie Kibbler. This goal was so good KS copied it and scored a very similar one 5 minutes later but this finished by Emma (sorry for not mentioning the assists - it was too exciting to remember the detail but Rachel had definite had the right breakfast!).

KS kept up the pressure and towards the end of the first half. A superb ball from Lisa at the back in the middle was picked up by Emma drove to 25 and gave a perfect ball across to Islay on the left post for a fabulous finish and first goal for KS 1s. Congratulations Islay - awesome work!

The second half started with the same aggressive mindset and KS putting the pressure on. Within the first minute they were in Darts D. The keeper was made to make 2 saves and the ball was floating on the right side of the goal. Sarah Budgen swept in with tenacity and gave a great pass to Rachel Booton on the baseline who took a shot, this was saved but came back to give Boots for another chance. She doesn’t miss twice and a powerful slap on target bamboozled the keeper and gave KS goal number 4.

KS kept up the pressure and quickly found themselves in the D again winning a short corner. First shot was on target but saved, leaving the ball floating around the P spot which Fi decided should be in the back of the net and so duly put it where it belonged. 5-0.

Man of the match votes for Boots, Maddie and Emma, Islay very deservedly got 3 but Rachel S ran away with it this week with 7 votes for her fantastic vision turning defiance into attack and setting up the first two goals. Thanks Nikki for running the bench and imparting your infinite wisdom. Let’s go Cougars!