TWO of Caradon’s men’s sides were in action on Saturday in the West Hockey League, including the promotion-chasing firsts who ran out 4-1 winners at University of Bristol Seconds in Division One South.

The hosts looked to use a direct, attacking approach, however this played into Caradon’s hands, allowing the defence to intercept effectively and spring dangerous counter-attacks.

The opener came after a smart wide lead from Harrison Pollard, who received from midfield before delivering a measured ball across the face of goal for Ben Hedley to deftly deflect home. Caradon doubled their lead soon after when man-of-the-match Tyler Walsh drag-flicked confidently into the bottom right corner from the hosts’ penalty corner.

The pressure continued, with an aerial from Nathan Jeffery releasing Hedley down the left. His vicious reverse across goal was calmly finished by Ben Reynolds to make it three. The fourth arrived in the 20th minute when Walsh dispossessed the Bristol midfield, drove into the D and slotted home an early push shot.

The second half was more evenly contested, with Bristol benefiting from fresh legs, but Caradon’s defence remained resolute and Dan Harris dealt comfortably with the chances that did arise.

A late rebound denied the clean sheet, but Caradon saw out the match confidently.

The seconds produced a superb, collective performance to secure a well-deserved 4-2 win over Truro Fourths, reversing the earlier season result.

Tom Haigh’s addition in midfield brought composure and confidence, allowing the team to play with real freedom.

Man-of-the-match Fenton Robins struck twice in the first half, the opener coming from a perfectly-weighted Ben Pennington-Ridge pass, slipped coolly under the keeper. Mike Parkinson added a third with an audacious flick from a fierce Ted Dyer strike.

Truro responded after the break, but Caradon held firm, with Liam Champion sealing the win with a deft deflection from a short corner.