Sidmouth and Ottery 3,

Confusion over the start time earned club secretary Mother Pillar and an early nomination for the 'Brick of the Week'. However, arriving two hours early afforded Dartmouth Ladies the opportunity for some much-needed short-corner practice and meant that Sarah Barrett almost arrived on time.

When the game eventually

got under way, Dartmouth set about the Sidmouth and Ottery defence at their usual high tempo.

Rolling back the years, Margey Rendle playing sweeper went close twice within the first five minutes, her second attempt beating the 'keeper but disallowed by the Sidmouth umpire.

Dartmouth attacked in waves, with Chelsey Rendle, cousin Jamie and Lisa Hunt dominating the right hand side of the pitch. Cross after cross was played into the Sidmouth and Ottery goal, but it wasn't until the 20th minute that Siobhan Edward opened Dartmouth's account from a much-practised short ­corner, driving the ball at the goal, for it to be deflected in via a Sidmouth and Ottery defender.

Dartmouth got their second on the 27th minute. Again from a set piece, Jamie Rendle's hit from a long corner found Lisa Hunt at the top of the D, who hit a reverse stick through the melee of defenders into the goal.

Probably the best goal of the match came on 33 minutes and again came from down the right hand side. Chloe Edward taking a hit out found Lisa Hunt, who with one flick passed to the ­rampaging Sarah Barrett, charging down the centre, who again with a single flick put the ball onto the stick of captain Lucy Pillar, who rarely misses such opportunities in front of goal.

With Dartmouth now firmly in command, coach Matt Putt rang the changes at half time, giving the senior players a breather and bringing on Loran Rogers, Becca Squire and Alicia Wadeson for Mandy Servan, Margey Rendle and Julie Pillar.

The second half started ­scrappily. Dartmouth continued to play at pace and in their usual robust manner – indeed, Alicia Wadeson inadvertently bowled over her opposite number. It was suggested that her dad, Alan, had been giving her some ­coaching tips.

The youngsters settled in quickly and all played with ­confidence and purpose, Alisha being denied by a goal-line save after five minutes.

Not until the 12th minute of the second half and at the sixth consecutive short corner was Chloe Edwards able to convert her sister Siobhan's pass to make it 4-0.

The pre-match short-corner practice paid dividends three minutes later when Chloe was able to return the compliment by providing the short-corner pass for Siobhan to score her second goal.

Sidmouth and Ottery defended valiantly, but they were no match for the Dartmouth attack. With their tails up, Sarah Barrett robbed the ball on the half-way line and ran down the left wing to put an inch-perfect cross onto Lucy Pillar's stick. Once again Lucy converted, making it 6-0.

Sidmouth and Ottery's first attack of the second half didn't come until the 28th minute. The Dartmouth defence seemed confused and surprised, conceding a soft goal, and when two minutes later the home side scored again it was time to bring back the experienced Margey Rendle and Mandy Servan.

This seemed to steady the ship and Dartmouth resumed the onslaught, with Sarah Barrett again stealing the ball at the top of the D before laying it off to Mandy Servan, whose deflected shot made it 7-2.

Dartmouth's final goal came two minutes from time and once again from a short corner.

Player of the match Jamie Rendle received Chloe Edward's pass and struck for goal. The 'keeper was only able to parry the shot and found ­herself unable to clear it before Siobhan pounced to bag her

hat-trick.

On the restart Sidmouth mounted one last spirited attack, throwing everything at the Dartmouth goal. Their reward was a goal with the final hit of the game, making the scoreline 8-3.

Dartmouth will take some positives from the game, ­particularly the success of their set plays. They will, though, be particularly pleased with the performances of the younger players, who seem to grow in confidence every week. However, they will need to concentrate for the full 70 minutes if they are to make a serious challenge for promotion.

Next week Dartmouth ­entertain Isca IVs at Kingsbridge School. Push back is at 12.30pm and all supporters are welcome.