Dartmouth 0,

Isca IV 1

Before the game there was a two-minute silence in memory of Mark Berry – a local lad who was taken from us far too early. Condol-ences go to the Berry family from the Dart-mouth hockey players and backroom staff at this difficult time.

Once the whistle was blown for the end of the silence, Dartmouth had to get down to the hockey and the scoreline wasn't what most people were expecting.

Dartmouth were to a large extent their own worst enemies. The first 15 minutes should have been Dartmouth's, but as is so often said, when you have chances, you must put them away.

Take nothing away from Isca: they got a goal against the run of play, parked the bus and Dartmouth, try

as they might, just couldn't get through the Isca defence.

Dartmouth started off at their usual high tempo. Mandy Servan and Sarah Barrett went close with only a couple of minutes on the clock, along with Lucy Pillar, all three players putting pressure on the Isca defence. Dartmouth must have realised with 10 minutes gone it was going to be one of those games, and they were right.

Isca soaked up the pressure and, with 20 minutes gone, they broke on the counter attack and netted the ball home. A stunned Dartmouth soon got their heads around the fact they were 0-1 down. Jamie Rendle and Lisa Hunt set up camp on the right flank with wave after wave of attacking hockey.

Chelsey Rendle, Chloe Edwards and Julie Pillar stubbed out any attacks that came their way. Chelsey Rendle gets a special mention for her gutsy, determined effort against any Isca players coming her way.

With the first half brought to a close there was some much-needed TLC for the Dartmouth ladies. Coach Matt Putt reassured them that they were only a goal down, and that if they kept their heads they could turn it around.

With the second half under way, Dartmouth were at it again, putting in attack after attack against a stubborn Isca team. Jamie Rendle picked the ball up from deep and took on the right of defence, Lisa Hunt helping out, trying to draw opposition players out of position. Mandy Servan tried to do the same on the left wing and Sarah Barrett and Siobhan Edwards were attempting to ­penetrate the centre.

Hannah Pillar trying to get in on the act gave as good as she got, but try as they might Dartmouth couldn't breach the Isca defence.

With the final whistle gone Isca, exhausted after going 12 rounds with Dartmouth, were the most relieved of the two teams.

Dartmouth are away this Saturday against Exe and will hope that the banana skin will not appear again this week – hopefully the normal, winning service will resume.

Many thanks go to Brian Smalley, who sponsored the match. Brian, recovering from an operation, saw the game in his daughter's car and no doubt was the proudest parent there. Thanks also go to Steven and Juliett, landlord and landlady of the Old Inn at Halwell, for serving a hot and tasty lunch.

No surprise that Chelsey Rendle received player of the match for her non-stop running and determination. Jamie Rendle received the Yellow Brick for injuring her mum Margey Rendle.