Saturday, December 8

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

Plymouth Marjon C 1

BUDE go into the Christmas break in fourth position after beating Plymouth Marjon C 3-1 in extremely windy conditions at the Budehaven Sports Centre.

The contest got off to an even start with both teams creating equal opportunities.

Bude had the strong wind behind them and eventually used this to their advantage as a quick counter-attack with slick passing saw the ball zig-zag up the pitch from wing to wing before it was fired into the D. And after an initial block by the Marjon defence, Thomas Hall forced the ball over the line with true grit and determination.

Despite Bude’s best efforts they continued their recent run of conceding from the restart and as Marjon attacked purposefully, poor tackling and marking allowed the striker to receive the ball at the top of the D which he then fired into the top right-hand corner with a sweet reverse strike.

Then home side rallied well and regained the lead as man-of-the-match Noah Reeves revelled in the space he was given and controlled the attack with great pressure and simple passing to open the spaces and unlock the Marjon defence on numerous occasions.

After a turnover by Reeves, his deft pass released Jared Slade in space on the right-hand side, who went direct in on goal and slotted home with an assured confidence.

Determined not to lose the lead for a second time, Bude dug deep and weathered the restart much better; once play had settled they began to push on and were awarded a short corner late in the first-half.

The corner was worked neatly back to Paul Floyd whose shot from close-range hit the back of the net; Marjon’s players questioned the goal and after much deliberation between their captain and the umpires, the goal was allowed to stand.

The second-half was a scrappier affair as Bude struggled to get out of their own half due to the ferocious wind.

However, Bude remained galvanised and resolute in the carnage which ensued, ensuring they picked up their sixth win of the season from 11 games.

Team spokesman, Andy Davis, said: “The excellent team spirit displayed by each and every player meant everyone contributed significantly to the game to gain a cracking three points which sees us finish the first half of the season in a solid and well deserved fourth place.”

The return fixtures start on Saturday, January 12 when they welcome OPM to North Cornwall (2.30pm).

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League

South Division

Bude 1

Taunton Vale 2 0

TILLY Daniel scored the winner with 15 minutes to go as Bude moved up to fourth ahead of the Christmas break with a 1-0 victory over Taunton Vale seconds.

Bude failed to play like they can in the first-half with plenty of turnovers of possession and were indebted to Amy Gear to make a number of fine saves.

In the second-half Bude upped their game, dominating territory and the chances, but failed to take them.

However just as Bude were wondering whether it was going to be their lucky day, a great run down the right from Di Old saw her cross the ball to Ruby Bryant who teed up Daniel to slot the ball in off the post.

Bude are back in action on Saturday, January 19 when they travel to Kelly College to take on Tavistock (2pm).