Petroc division one

Honiton Hornets 2

Dartmouth left its defeat against Torbay well and truly behind them and thumped the Hornets.

Dartmouth coach Matt Putt could not have had a better preparation for the ladies' Devon Trophy cup game against Dart Totnes on the Sunday.

First on the score sheet was Dartmouth's goal machine Lucy Pillar. This came via a link-up with Jamie Rendle and Lisa Hunt on the right flank, Hunt sweeping the ball into Pillar's path and Pillar sliding it past the oncoming Hornets keeper. And it was not long before Pillar struck again, making it 2-0 to Dartmouth with just 12 minutes gone.

The next goal was pure brilliance. Rendle picked the ball up from deep, skipping past one Hornet player then another, sprinting into the opposition's D and smashing the ball past a defender and the goalkeeper.

Dartmouth were in imperious form, and then they put their foot well and truly on the gas, with Pillar smashing another two past the Hornets' defence. This time the attack switched to the left flank, with Violet Miller and Hannah Pillar linking up on the left wing.

But with the half-time whistle nearing, the Hornets hit back with a goal of their own. 

The second half was all Dartmouth again: Lucy Pillar's killer instinct was unrelenting and she bagged herself another goal, her fourth of the after-noon. Anybody would think Dartmouth did not have another game 24 hours later such was the effort the ladies were putting in.

The Hornets hit back with another goal, only to be demoralised once again by Dartmouth when Sam Webb struck with her first of the afternoon.

With the welcome return of Julie Pillar and another good shift from Sarah Barrett, the Hornets were lucky not to lose by more.

The two Edwards girls, Chloe and Siobhan, and the safe hands, feet and all the other bits that Ellie Malley put in front of the opposition proved to be a formidable defence.

Rendle was named player of the match; indeed, she is playing her best hockey this season, with her fine stick skills leaving the opposition in her wake.

The match sponsor was the The Taj Mahal Indian restaurant in Dartmouth. Dartmouth are in action at Totnes this Saturday when they take on Dart Totnes, this time in a League match, so please come along and offer your support this Saturday. Push back will be at 1pm.