Plymouth College 1st XI began the new season with a first round victory against King’s School Ottery in the England Hockey National U18 Cup. Having lost 4-3 to the same opponents last season, it was always going to be a tough game for a side who lost eight senior players in the summer. That said, a youthful and energetic side were very impressive in defeating a much more experienced opposition.
An explosive start saw the visitors take an early lead after good work by Will Warnock down the right hand side led to a simple tap in for Tom Dinnis. Not happy to sit back, Plymouth continued to press, and after a sharp save by the King’s keeper, Matt Singh was able to slot home from close range to double the advantage. With a 2-0 lead, the visitors set about keeping the ball and were able to create a number of opportunities, whilst Charlie Daulton, Toby Farley and Peter Loxdale provided some steel in their defensive work, resulting in a 2-0 scoreline at the break.
The second half proved a tighter affair and Plymouth were indebted to a couple of excellent saves from James Heale in goal to keep King’s scoreless. As the opposition tired, the individual skills of Ollie Dinnis (pictured) and Will Warnock became more effective, leading to a number of goal-scoring opportunities. One such opportunity - a penalty corner - saw Ollie Dinnis expertly flick the ball into the roof of the net to settle the contest and send Plymouth College into Round 2.
Final score King’s School Ottery 0 Plymouth College 3.
.png&command_2=resize&height_2=85 "A Fantastic First Week Back!")
