Saturday, November 24

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

Bodmin 3

JARED Slade scored twice as Bude fought back three times to eventually win an eight-goal thriller at Bodmin.

The visitors started the derby in a similar fashion to recent outings by going behind early on as Bodmin striker Sam Baker remained composed after a great solo run to slot home into an empty net.

Bude had an instant response as Kristof Saunders went on an equally impressive solo run and let rip with a thunderous strike into the bottom corner to level the scores.

A lack of concentration at the back gave Bodmin the opportunity to take the lead as Hugh Parkinson slotted home a cross at the back-post.

The North Coast club then came up with a contender for goal of the season as a neat team passing move was finished off with sublime style as Jared Slade had a one-touch finish that nestled in the roof of the net, which gave the home keeper no chance.

The pattern continued as Bodmin went back in front from a short corner thanks to Pete Waddington, only for Bude to equalise on the stroke of half-time with youngster Noah Reeves going on a determined run that led him into the D where he fired home a sweet strike low and hard into the bottom corner.

Despite conceding three times, Bude went into the second-half knowing a vital three points were a real possibility and a must to keep them at the right end of the table.

After more end to end play, two vital saves by Bude’s keeper Andy Davis, which included a last-gasp goalline clearance, were the turning point and catalyst, as this fired everyone into life.

The whole team from front to back then found another level of intensity, energy, skill and desire which resulted in goals for Thomas Hall from a short corner and man-of-the-match Slade from close range.

Team spokesman Andy Davis said: “Every player had an excellent game in this much-needed win and we can now look forward to the last two games of the first half of the season with more confidence and knowledge that great team performances like this will see us pick up more points to finish strongly.”

Bude’s next game sees them travel to Lipson Community College in Plymouth to take on University of Plymouth A (3pm).

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League

South Division

Isca 4 3

Bude 1

DESPITE dominating for long spells, Bude fell to a 3-1 defeat at Isca fourths on Saturday in Exeter.

Bude kept the home side under pressure for much of the first-half although they failed to grab the lead.

As so often is the case, the opposition upped their game and took the lead following a scramble before Bude equalised through their player-of-the-match Clare Westaway.

But once more, despite being on top, Isca added two late goals to make the journey home a painful one for the visitors.

Bude are back in action on Saturday when they make the trip to Penair School in Truro to take on Newquay (midday).