Women's 2nd XI Vs Plymouth Marjons 3

Despite only having the bare 11 and being their first game back after the Christmas break against a youthful and energetic Marjons side, Caradon Ladies 2 put on an impressive display of flowing hockey and plenty of goals.

The visiting side were keen from the off, with the strike partnership of Laura Hill and Helen Manley intercepting passes and taking shots on goal, however it was the Marjons keeper who stopped any early lead. The pressure continued and finally a pass into the D was met by Manley who slipped it under the diving keeper.

Caradon captain Claire Brown said from the start that the team had to let the ball do the work, with no subs it could have been easy to run and chase but energy levels were kept high by the fantastic team passing across the park. Laura Hill got her first of the day with a brilliant bit of skill bringing the keeper out to slot home and give Caradon the bumper of 2-0 up at half time.

After the break Caradon continued to dominate, despite not having too much action, Lynn Oxenham in goal made sure any strikes were strongly kicked away. Equally the defence did their job when called into action against the young side who counter attacked quickly when given the chance - Claire Brown saving a shot off the line.

Although they had a few chances at short corners, once again the Marjons keeper kept her side in the game but a slick routine featuring Carina Hodge enabled a 1-2 pass back to Laura Hill who struck hard and low getting her second of the day.

Caradon were now on cruise control, free flowing passing from the front to the back, across the wings, it was impressive to watch and showed what this team is capable of. Energy levels and tiredness did not seem to factor as they pushed for more goals, a goal mouth scramble somehow resulted in the ball flying up in the air, only to be tapped down into the goal by Manley who happened to be in the right place at the right time.

The Marjons goal was unfortunate for Caradon who wanted a clean sheet. With some confusion over how and why the goal was awarded, Caradon’s questions were knocked back by the umpire who allowed the goal to stand.

Helen finished her hat trick with a brilliant team move from the defence out to Player of the Match Lauren Gouge who did not stop running, tackling and pressurising the opposition all game, her pass back into Laura who brought out the defender gained momentum and space for a perfect through ball to Manley who skipped pass the keeper to finish the game 5-1.

The 2s have the always tricky game of playing Caradon 3s this weekend.