AN EARLY season top of the table clash delivered a cracking game of hockey that unfortunately saw Bude fall just short and relinquish their top spot in West Hockey League Piran Division One to the well-organised visitors.

A spritely start by Duchy saw them take the lead early on with their very first chance as a soft shot on goal crept in.

Disappointed but not fazed with so long still left on the clock, a hard-working Bude settled into a nice rhythm once they made a couple of changes to their formation.

They got back on level terms midway through the first half through Kristof Saunders, but not long after Duchy muscled themselves back in front with a solid penalty corner routine.

Bude had to fought hard for the remainder of the half to create as many chances as possible, and grabbed an equaliser on the stroke of the whistle as Thomas Hall angled a cross-cum-shot into the bottom corner.

The second half started in similar vain to the first as Duchy once again started well as they added a third. They took a quick free-hit in a dangerous position that meant they could run in unopposed into the D and to fire in a shot that snuck in.

This allowed the visitors’ experienced midfield to control the game, and although the Seasiders kept pushing, they could not link enough passes or create enough clearcut chances to get back on level terms for a third time.

Duchy confirmed the win late on with another well-executed penalty corner to give them the three points and a flattering scoreline, but Bude can take a lot of positives and, more importantly, some key things to work on in training that they can take into the next few games.

In Piran Division Three, Bude Seconds made the long trip down to their Falmouth counterparts where they showed a massive leap in improvement on the last few games and performances.

With players coming together at the start of the season for the first time, they are starting to gel and put into practice what they have been learning on the training pitch.

An open first half saw chances for both teams, but with Ally Stevenson in the Bude goal in fine form, he made a number of crucial saves that kept the scores level up until the break.

The second half saw Falmouth notch it up a gear, and the increased pressure took its toll as they scored first.

That seemed to temporarily knock the stuffing out of Bude who then struggled to put together the same number of passes and shots that they managed before the break.

Falmouth rattled in a further two gaols to seal all three points, but just like the first team, the Seasiders never gave up and were rewarded when the young Brody Reay unleashed a quality, unstoppable shot that whistled into the goal.

However, with very little time left in the game, they were unable to push on as it ended 3-1 in the South Cornwall side’s favour.

That said, Bude’s performance was a huge step in the right direction as they adjust to the demands of senior hockey.

Both men’s teams are in action on Saturday as the firsts visit Ocean City Seconds (11am), while the twos welcome their Duchy counterparts (midday).