Saturday, November 16

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

Taunton CS 2

BUDE put in a vastly-improved performance against the league leaders before going down to another defeat.

The North Cornwall side relaxed into the underdog role with no pressure on themselves and this showed as they came out spirited and strong.

Early pressure from Taunton saw them fire a few warning shots which were ably deflected by the Bude defence. Midway through the first-half the deadlock was broken as a Taunton midfielder surged through the right side unopposed and found his team mate who had crept in unmarked to tap home at the back-post.

Bude remained dogged and defiant as Taunton unleashed a barrage of attacks and short corners; with most Bude players literally putting their bodies on the line as epitomised by captain Jordan Cunningham who single-handedly blocked three short corners in a row. This galvanised Bude; with Thomas Hall and Kristof Saunders bossing the midfield, a flowing hockey move ensued where they managed to etch out a gilt edge chance but Jared Slade’s shot drifted just wide.

Taunton survived the scare and despite some further chances they were unable to extend their lead before half-time; however it was not long into the second-half until Taunton did double their advantage. A short corner shot was well saved by keeper Andy Davis but the rebound sat up nicely for the Taunton striker who swung baseball style at chest height from close range to knock the ball into the back of the net.

A few Bude heads did drop at this rotten bit of luck but this was just temporarily as they then went on to build some sustained pressure in midfield which resulted in some great forward momentum culminating in another great opportunity which yet again went begging as Henry Gwynn-Thomas fired a smart shot into the bottom corner only for the visiting keeper to make an excellent diving save to protect his clean sheet.

Bude fought to the bitter end and this resulted in a frantic finish but with man-of-the-match Cunningham marshalling his team and defence superbly, Taunton were never allowed any more real opportunities on goal and so the score remained 2-0 to the visitors.

Team spokesperson Andy Davis said: “If we can put in a couple more performances like this before the Christmas break then we should be able to pick up a few more vital points in what is going to be a tough season.”

Bude make the short trip to fellow strugglers Bodmin on Saturday for a crucial local derby (midday).

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League

South Division

Bude 0

BUDE remain bottom of the table after falling to a 2-0 defeat at Kelly College against Tavistock.

Armed with the rare luxury of having three substitutes to call upon, the visitors were ready to get their season up and running but found themselves a goal down early on from a quick ball through and a reverse shot on goal.

However, Bude picked their heads up and went out fighting, with great control from Cara Phillips in the centre, supported by Lucy Storry and Leanne Stanbury creating space in attack.

Nim Panesar used great skills to drive along the left side to open up passes to strikers Ruby Bryant and Erin Slade. Bude created many opportunities but just couldn’t get a stick on it to finish with a goal.

The defence held strong, with Robyn Pengilly, Louise Shepherd, Clarey Westaway and Maddie Old holding their ground well.

However, just as it looked as if they’d get into the break a goal down they conceded again to give themselves a mountain to climb.

After a shuffle of positions Bude went out stronger than ever, holding great possession and forcing play in the attacking half, with Tammy Snowsill distributing the ball fantastically.

Substitute Di Old put Tavistock under pressure, giving multiple opportunities within the D, while goalkeeper Amy Gear stood firm at the other end.

Despite that, the North Cornwall side couldn’t get that elusive goal meaning they remain bottom. They welcome mid-table Plym Valley to Budehaven Sports Centre on Saturday (2.30pm).