Kingsbridge and Salcombe Hockey Ladies 1st Team faced their toughest challenge of the season on Saturday 29th November, hosting fellow unbeaten side Plymouth Lions 2s in a highly anticipated league clash. Despite a spirited performance, the home team fell to a 2–0 defeat.

The opening stages were evenly contested, with Kingsbridge creating early pressure and carving out a couple of chances in the first ten minutes. Two penalty corners offered opportunities to take the lead, but the Lions’ defence held firm. The visitors responded with a series of penalty corners of their own, which Kingsbridge defended resolutely. However, 25 minutes in, a Lions attacker broke through, beating two defenders and firing a clean strike past the keeper to make it 1–0.

Half-time provided a chance to regroup, and Kingsbridge returned determined to level the score. An early penalty corner for Lions was initially converted, but the goal was ruled out for a lifted first shrike. Despite this reprieve, Kingsbridge struggled to build attacking momentum, and Lions extended their lead with a well-taken goal 15 minutes from time.

Both teams showed their quality in a hard-fought contest, with Kingsbridge’s defensive organisation and commitment evident throughout the game. Special thanks go to umpires Mark and Neil for officiating this high-intensity fixture.

Kingsbridge and Salcombe remain in strong contention at the top of the table and will look to bounce back in their next match on Saturday 6th December, away to Teign 2’s, as they continue their push for the title.