Saturday, December 7

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

O.P.M. 1

STRIKER Jon Elliot notched a brace as Bude, sporting a slightly overdue but lovely new away kit kindly sponsored by Jennings and Co, finished off the first half of the league season in style with a hard fought away win at lowly O.P.M. in Plymouth.

It took Bude a while to settle as the hosts started the better, creating a number of clear cut chances but keeper Andy Davis made a number of key saves to help the defence weather the early storm and keep the scores level.

This solid defensive platform allowed Bude to relax and begin playing their simple but flowing hockey and as the half wore on so did the chances. Having narrowly missed two earlier tricky back post crosses, it was third time lucky for Jon Elliot as his perseverance was duly rewarded as he smashed home the opening goal.

A spirited fightback from O.P.M. ensued which saw them finish the half strongly and even get the ball over the Bude goal-line, but a last ditch tackle meant the ball had been illegally kicked over the line by an attacker’s foot and so the goal was rightly chalked off.

A half-time regroup meant Bude started the second-half in a determined fashion intent on extending their lead and demoralising the home team further to try and put the result beyond doubt. It was Elliot who set the tone early on as the striker earned his man-of-the-match award with his relentless and selfless performance that was epitomised by his solo effort to chase down a nothing ball as it was being played across the back by the OPM defence. Despite having no right or real chance but using his speed, presence and determination, he forced an error turning over possession into his favour and with no other defenders he ran into the D unopposed to fire home a low hard shot into the bottom corner.

OPM rallied and got back into the game as a short corner routine was neatly deflected home from close range to halve the deficit.

A slightly nervy and frantic period followed with both teams losing men to the sin-bin. But Bude teenagers Cayden Gill and Ryan Chalkley bossed the wings with an amazing performance both displaying an array of silky skills beyond their years creating a constant threat.

As Bude came back to full strength they finally put the result beyond OPM as Thomas Hall took a quick free hit himself and made a direct run towards goal and as the movement off the ball dragged the defenders out this allowed Hall to confidently strike the ball home from the edge of the D.

From that point Bude managed the game well as their stubborn defence snuffed out every OPM attack most notably by Robin Jennings who nimbly saved a certain goal by deflecting a high drag flick at the last possible moment.

This allowed Bude to run out deserved winners and continue their unbeaten run into the Christmas break from league action.

Results elsewhere meant they remain in trouble near the bottom of the league table but they are steadily closing the gap on the teams above them and with more performances like that, will be confident of avoiding any final day drama.

Bude welcome Bodmin A on Saturday in their second group game in the Cornwall County Cup (10.30am).