This was the first time that Kingsbridge and Salcombe 2s had entered the Devon Trophy and although they knew it could be a tough game the Cougars were ready to get a taste of harder matches as they prepare to enter into competitive Saturday league hockey next season.

Plymouth Uni already play at a higher level of hockey in the Trelawny league on Saturdays, so had more experience then the young Cougars but that takes nothing away from the home side who were eager for the game.
The first 10 minutes saw Kingsbridge and Salcombe evenly matched with the Uni side making good connections through the midfield which comprised of Vice Captain Lauren Derbyshire, Nina Hardy, Laura Tregelles, Cara Yeoman and Charlie Adams, all playing their part during the match.

Keeper Erin Murgatroyd made some strong early clearances and commander her defence well. Defenders Anna McCabe, Alex McKenzie and Katie Merrin tackled hard and played some great hockey – taking it forward and applying the pressure to Uni as a unit.
After 15 minutes Plymouth were able to take the lead but heads remained high and the Cougars regrouped.
Yeoman and Adams linked well with forwards Charlotte Budgen and Captain Laura Favis who found good space but found it difficult to get round the Uni defence.

The away side soon found themselves in front of goal and despite best efforts they increased their lead further to 0-2.
The Cougars kept plugging away and even though they didn’t have many clear cut chances they tried their best to get through the solid defence.
Plymouth Uni moved the ball well and were able to create space to play the ball high for their forwards.
Half time saw Coach Chris Guard praising the squad for their determination but they still needed to work harder on their basics, keeping it simply and making sure their was a player higher up the pitch to play to.

Kingsbridge and Salcombe hit the ground running for the second half with Merrin making crunching tackles to thwart the Uni attacks and a good spell from Ella Thompson helped the midfield stay as a unit.
Plymouth were finding it difficult to penetrate the home sides D because the Cougars doubled up well. McKenzie made some long runs from the back through the middle despite carrying an injury which helped alleviate the stress on the defence.

After 20 minutes of the second half the travelling side were able to out play the Cougars and take another goal now leading 0-3.
Kingsbridge and Salcombe seemed to be in a little shock as Plymouth were able to score again not long after their last goal.
The Cougars did incredibly well to hold off any further advances to score for the rest of the game.

The end result doesn’t reflect what happened on the pitch , Kingsbridge and Salcombe really played their socks off and enjoyed the experience of competing against a higher league team and they wish Plymouth Uni the best of luck in the next round of the Devon Trophy.
Thank you to match ball sponsors Favis of Salcombe Ltd for your support and to all the parents and friends who came to cheer the girls on.
Player of the match was voted for after the game at teas and went to Anna McCabe for her strength in defence.