ASHMOOR Men’s 1st XI started the National League campaign with a local derby against Exeter-based Isca. Honours were even last season with a win for each side, but Ashmoor were without some key players for this opening game.

There were also no less than five players making their Ashmoor EHL debuts and they all acquitted themselves well. Paddy Walton, signed from Birmingham University, looked assured in the Ashmoor goal, but could do little to prevent Ashmoor going behind in the first few minutes after a slip by defender Cullen Turner.

Ashmoor grew in confidence, passing the ball into wide channels and opening up the opposition defence, especially down the right flank. The ball was worked into good shooting areas and first Matt Pearce and minutes later Captain Jamie Bishop went close to an equaliser.

However, just as quarter time loomed, the home side doubled their lead against the run of play when a right-sided attack of their own looked to have been dealt with, but the ball fell kindly for a rebound which went unchallenged and Ashmoor went 2-0 behind.

Into the second quarter again, Ashmoor had some good exchanges with the midfield of Ben Andrew and Bishop, plus debutants Theo Bennett and Lewie Jones linking the play well. This led to some penalty corner chances from which Ben Tancock and Bishop were denied.

After a positive quarter, it was a momentary lapse that allowed an Isca striker to get away an unopposed strike which flatteringly made it 3-0 just before halftime.

Ashmoor showed great character to come out fighting in the second half. The forward line offered more work rate and intensity, and Ashmoor were justly rewarded with a goal back. Rich Ashworth had a simple finish on the back post after great skills to create the chance from Jones.

Ashmoor looked to build on the goal and some suspect tackling meant Isca started to pick up cards for breakdown play. However, on one of their rare forays forward they managed to win a penalty corner and unfortunately, this time the strong Ashmoor penalty corner defence team was beaten. This made it 4-1 and that was how it finished.

In the last quarter, it was almost all Ashmoor with vice-captain Ashworth pinging the crossbar, a summation of Ashmoor’s day.

Will Maynard also performed well in his first game at this level, but Player of the Match for Ashmoor was National League debutant Lewie Jones after a spirited display in midfield. This Sunday, Ashmoor face a tough trip to Guildford who are in top spot after their 6-0 demolition of Reading in their opening match.

Also this weekend, the Women’s team, Men’s Seconds and Thirds will kickstart their seasons, whilst the Fourth XI have to wait another week.