Pre- match nerves were heightened by the uncertainty of whether Jordan was going to make it for the start of the 1s game vs Plym Valley 1s.

The full team of 11 assembled by the time we were allowed on the pitch and we were armed with some inside knowledge. However, the Cougars were caught on the back foot by a quick attack through the middle of the pitch which unfortunately resulted in Plym Valley’s first goal.

The Cougars kept their heads and went back to Tuesday sessions from Seb - defend the middle, attack wide. The rest of the second half was very well matched with some great passing (to our own players) and moving the ball around the opposition.

Coming on the pitch after half time with some small position changes, the Cougars were getting into the game. With some fantastic running up front came a series of short corners. With a straight strike from the top deflected into a Plym Valley calf on the line, the Cougars were awarded a flick. Careful choice of who was to take it this time, paid off with Laura Kerly putting herself on the score sheet. 1 - 1.

The Cougars built on this and kept the sensible hockey as the battle continued. Off the back of a fast opposition attack, a bobbling ball in the D found it’s way over The Cougars goal line to give Plym Valley a 2-1 lead. Despite some great attacks in the final 10 minutes, the cougars weren’t able to find the back of the goal and the end score was a 2-1 loss.

Big shout out to Sacha Denny for being voted clear woman of the match for incredible runs and putting into practice Tuesday’s session with non stop off the ball sprints. Well played everyone, the score not being a fair reflection of the game this week.