Okehampton Columbines 2 Falmouth 4

Still flying high from their semi final victory last week, Falmouth travelled to face mid-table Okehampton, writes Jeanette Coleman.

The sun was shining, but rather than motivate Falmouth they seemed quite drained and lethargic early on. Okehampton won balls in the midfield and immediately put the defensive set up of Rachel Medd, Terri Barbery-Redd and Megan Cookson to work. 

June Moore in goal had to be alert to keep the scores level, but it was Okehampton who eventually broke the deadlock with Moore, committed out of the goal to save the initial shot, unable to prevent the follow-up crossing the line.

The goal did not do much to rouse promotion-hopefuls Falmouth, and Okehampton were unlucky not to double their lead.

Ten minutes before half time Falmouth finally clicked into gear and a link up between Claire Hudson, Kathryn Barbery-Redd and Rachael Tatlow nearly found Mia Tumoana at the far post; the ball agonisingly sliding under her outstretched stick. 

Half time allowed Falmouth to regroup and a stern team talk from captain Cookson meant the greens came out strongly.  Work down the right from Tatlow, then a good crossing ball was met by Sam Dunstan on the penalty spot and slid under the keeper to level the scores.

The tides had well and truly turned and the league leaders stepped up the pressure. 

Dunstan added two more from the same position to take the game beyond the reach of the now deflated home team. 

Despite several more chances the score stayed the same until the final 10 minutes when, against the run of play, the Okehampton attack were rewarded with a penalty corner which was converted, leading to a nervy few minutes where they came close to levelling the score and stealing a point. 

Emily Dunstan and Amy Figgins worked hard in the midfield to keep the ball in the Falmouth attack, and player of the match Hanna Royle put some clinical passes into the D.

Finally Falmouth were rewarded with a penalty corner, dispatched by Hudson to seal another victory and keep Falmouth at the top of the league with a game in hand.

Falmouth: June Moore,  Terri Barbery-Redd, Megan Cookson, Rachel Medd, Hanna Royle, Kat Barbery-Redd, Emily Dunstan, Amy Figgins, Clare Hudson, Rachael Tatlow, Sam Dunstan, Mia Tumoana