Taunton C.S. A vs East Devon

This week marked the first week back of captain Ali Johnston, who had been unable to play in the last couple of matches. However, he quickly proved that he'd lost none of his edge, calmly making a stick-save in the opening minutes of the match.

Still, the first half was troublesome. The visitors, East Devon, were a well drilled side, adept at one touch hockey and sustaining consistently high work rates on and off the ball. Devon managed to maintain their early pressure, capitalising on a series of long and short corners to take the lead.

Civil Service remained buoyant, however. The visitors attracted the attention of the umpires for repeated stick tackles and the pace of their game declined slightly. Seizing on this opportunity, Ben Witt was able to convert the equaliser. The sides went in at the break level.

Taunton started the second half well; the home side improved throughout the match. In stark contrast to the previous week, Civil started the game with fourteen players; they were even able to use their three substitutes to keep the energy levels high.

The visitors took the lead a second time however. The ball took a powerful hit into the D, finding an attacker who scored a deflection. Still, Taunton continued to push and, as the match continued, they began to dominate increasingly.

Despite a couple of missed chances, Ed Davis was able to slot away the second goal for the home side shortly before the full-time whistle went.

Taunton C.S. played a solid game, but particular mention needs to go to their resilience. At no point did the team surrender, coming twice from behind. For his performance, Ali Johnston received the man of the match award.