Devonport started, what turned out to be a feisty encounter, but soon lost possession and Bude profited with the best passage of hockey they have played all season with a sublime team goal of the highest standards. The ball was effortlessly passed multiple times across the back four waiting for the right opportunity to pounce and when it came they seized on it pushing the ball through the middle with serious intent and quick two-touch hockey until the ball landed with Kristof Saunders who used his quick feet and nimble skills to manoeuvre himself into prime position to caress the ball past the stranded ‘keeper into the bottom corner with a subtle reverse strike.
The visitors responded swiftly, forcing the ball into the danger zone from where a snap shot through a crowded D managed to evade everyone to level the scores.
Bude remained positive and created the better chances but it took a while before they regained the lead which came from a short corner routine with David Woodward taking the honours with a perfect drag flick into the sidenetting.
Devonport’s response was similar to the first as they went down the other end and won a couple of short corners of their own and after blocking the initial shot, a rebound was fired home to even the scores for a second time.
An intense period of hockey ensued with neither team willing to give an inch in this crucial relegation clash; with every player determined to do anything possible to win every ball. This inevitably led to some close calls and disputed tackles and as the half was drawing to a close this culminated with a serious injury to a Devonport player and after a prolonged stoppage the half ended early to allow the injured player to receive the attention he needed. This had an impact on the game as the injured player was unable to take any further part in the game and with no substitutes reduced the visitors to ten men.
Bude refocused well on the task in hand and soon took the lead again as man of the match Woodward converted another short corner, cheekily nutmegging the ‘keeper.
The intensity and tackles kept coming thick and fast which saw both teams receive temporary suspensions and although Bude had the slight advantage and better chances, they were unable to extend their lead further.
With a slender lead it gave hope to Devonport who kept threatening wherever possible to keep the game on a knife edge. After successfully defending a short corner, Bude put the sword to Devonport, turning defence into deadly attack as within two passes the ball was with Thomas Hall who made a surging run down the left-hand side before firing home from the edge of the D to seal the win and a hard-fought but well-deserved big three points.
The result means Bude are seven points above the bottom two ahead of Saturday’s trip to St James School in Exeter to take on ECV Hornets A (2pm).