Saturday, January 18

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

Duchy A 1

KRISTOF Saunders grabbed a late equaliser as a threadbare Bude squad earned a valuable point in West Cornwall.

The visitors had to draft in a couple of extra new players at short notice just to have 11 on the pitch, but this did not dampen their spirits on the day as they played with a more relaxed, carefree style which seemed to suit them.

An even start saw very few chances as the home team were content with possession and Bude’s reshuffled pack were in no major rush to chase the game. As the half wore on and with no real threat from the Duchy forwards, Bude began to get more time on the ball. This combined with the late arrival of Tom Fry gave Bude a lift and as the rearranged midfield combination of Cayden Gill and Kristof Saunders began to click, they started creating more gaps and outlets to find the rapid Henry Gwynn-Thomas who was up front on his own. However they could only create half chances so it was no surprise when the half ended goalless.

Bude’s team-talk was simple, more of the same and they would get something out of the game. But the second half started badly as they were temporarily reduced to ten men.

But Bude remained solid and compact with Ryan Chalkey seamlessly dropping back into the tricky left-back position, showing how well he is still progressing.

Once back to full strength, Bude tried to apply some pressure most notably down the right as Jared Slade was battling hard against his player and more often than not his skills enabling him to get past and open up the play, but again only half chances were created. Somewhat against the run of play Duchy took the lead as a quick ball through the D was deflected in at close range.

Two further Duchy chances came from short corners but Fry made two excellent goalbound stops to keep Bude well and truly in the game.

As the game entered the final quarter and with nothing to lose, Saunders made a tactical switch, pushing centre-back Robin Jennings up as another forward and this afforded Bude an opportunity to press really high and it began to create chances and sustained pressure but nothing seemed to drop kindly for them.

With just two minutes left on the clock, Saunders took fate into his own hands as he advanced from his defensive midfield position. Linking neatly with Gill, he advanced towards the D and as he bounced off a couple of strong tackles, the ball somehow pinged back and forth in his favour and his determination to keep going with his stick on the ball eventually forced it home, earning Bude a well-deserved and most vital point in what is rapidly turning into a relegation battle.

Saunders and Gill unsurprisingly shared the man-of-the-match award for dominating the tempo, play and midfield between themselves.

Bude host mid-table Devonport Services on Saturday (2.30pm).

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League

South Division

Bude 5

LEANNE Stanbury scored twice as Bude’s first match of 2020 ended in a 5-2 thrashing of Okehampton at Budehaven Sports Centre.

With strength and depth in the squad, the home side dominated the game and took an early lead with the dynamic Stanbury connecting with Cara Phillips who was able to skilfully slot past the goalkeeper. Okehampton were able to equalise although Bude quickly regained their lead through Ruby Bryant who was perfectly positioned and confidently struck home the second.

The pressure from Bude was continuous with Tilly Daniel and Erin Slade both able to find space and play some lovely passes. The third goal was the result of a goalmouth battle with Di Old eventually finding the net.

When Okehampton did manage a rare attack, Amy Gear kept Bude in the game making some timely, crucial saves and was determinedly supported by Eve Langman, Robyn Pengilly, Lou Shepherd and Maddie Old who were disciplined and controlled in the defence.

Player-of-the-match was awarded to Nim Panesar who was instrumental in winning possession and distribution alongside Tammy Snowsill. Lucy Storry confidently took the fourth goal, an aerial deflection from Phillips’ strike. Stanbury’s final goal was an absolute peach, a great way to finish a successful afternoon.

Captain Amy Gear said: “Thank you to all the supporters, sideline encouragement makes a huge difference, and to Dave Long and Jo Timmins for umpiring.”

Bude head to Plymouth Marjon University to tackle Plymouth Marjon 2 on Saturday (11am).