AFTER the previous week's defeat, Bude needed to gain three points if they wanted to hold onto their second place spot.

Bude started well and created chances early in the game by using quick triangle passes which left the visiting side unable to steal possession. After a couple of near misses, Naomi Hatcher, returning to the pitch after a break due to injury, forced the ball over the line during a goalmouth scramble.

Tammy Snowsill, Briony Varcoe and Perdi Sobey kept the Yate defenders moving, running onto balls played through from the midfield. They were supported by Leanne Stanbury in the centre.

A free hit was given outside the D which was quickly taken by Di Old. Tammy managed to get a stick to the ball before it hammered against the back board. Despite some protest from Yate, Bude were 2-0 up.

Yate didn't let their heads drop and attacked hard. They were awarded a penalty corner which they converted.

After Pam Johns left the pitch with an injury, not long before half time, Bude slightly fell apart and seemed to panic on the ball, needlessly giving away possession. A foul in the D resulted in a penalty flick for Yate. However, their chance of equalising was dashed by player of the match Jo Timmins who made a cracking save to leave the scores at 2-1 at half time.

Despite returning to their original line-up, the start of the second half didn't really improve for Bude and Yate were soon to score an equaliser.

Miranda Pomeroy, Kirsty Heslop, Caroline Hobbs and Pam Johns had to work hard in defence to prevent Yate from going into the lead.

With around 10/15 minutes remaining, Bude finally calmed down and began playing the kind of hockey they started the game with. The ball began flying around the midfield of Naomi Hatcher, Sam Horn, Robyn Pengilly, Di Old, and Emily Horn. This led to a short corner for Bude which Sam Horn converted.

With confidence returning to the home team, they seemed in control once more. Another short corner was given and Tammy looped the ball over the 'keeper into the goal. However, deemed to have been taken outside the D, the goal was not given.

Undeterred, Bude battled on and it was Briony Varcoe who increased Bude's lead during another goalmouth scramble.

Bude: Jo Timmins, Miranda Pomeroy, Caroline Hobbs, Pam Johns, Kirsty Heslop, Emily Horn, Robyn Pengilly, Di Old, Naomi Hatcher, Sam Horn, Leanne Stanbury, Tammy Snowsill, Briony Varcoe and Perdi Sobey.

This Saturday will be a top of the table clash as Bude face league leaders Plymouth Marjons at home at 2.30pm. All spectators will be welcome.