Tough first weekend for Exeter in Ladies - BWPL Div 1

Two tough losses for Exeter this weekend, on their BWPL Div 1 debut as we faced the reigning 2022 champions cup winners Liverpool. The team started the game strongly, trading goal for goal with them until half way through the second quarter where we trailed 4-3 with goals from Jasmin Coleman, Lucy Chard-Maple and Jess Street.

The more experienced Liverpool side recovered well and scored 7 unanswered goals showing their physicality and pace on the counter attack. A myriad of saves from an inform Nina Rickard in goal and a rejuvenated Exeter attack railed in the final quarter with goals from captain Amy Potter and Felicity Lamont Tuckett and the game finished 13-5.

Coach Kamz Powell was very positive after the defeat, admitting he expected the margin between the teams to have been bigger. He stated “it’s really testament to the hard work the girls have put in during preseason which has been less than optimal with a lack of high level games played, the team spirit and determination shown by the girls was fantastic and I’m as pleased as you can be with a loss”.

On Sunday our young Exeter side faced another tough test against an established Sheffield team.

Another good start from Exeter saw us score first with just 20 seconds played after Jess Street produced an excellent finish from centre forward. Jess Garrad added a second as Exeter trailed 5-2 at the end of the first quarter. The middle half of the game didn’t go as well for the team as the physicality of the Sheffield team got the better of us and we conceded several goals on the counter attack after being second best in transition. Once again Exeter railed in the final quarter, winning 3-2 with goals coming from Amy Potter, Millie Raymond and Jasmine Coleman but it was too little, too late for us, falling to the second defeat of the season 18-6.

Coach Kamz Powell said “overall it was a weekend of gaining experience at the top level for our girls and I’m really proud of how they performed. Lots to work on in training and lessons to be learnt ahead of the next weekend”.

The women’s team will be back in action on the 15th/16th October in Marlborough with games vs Tyldesley and Coventry.