Saturday, September 29

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

OPM 1

DAN Jourdain made a match-winning clearance with minutes remaining as Bude got their 2018/19 league campaign off to a winning start in Plymouth.

Based on previous meetings, the North Cornwall club knew that it would be a hard close fought affair, and this year was no different.

After a fairly even start, Bude began to dominate from the back and with patient build-up began to create numerous opportunities in front of goal.

Kristoff Saunders opened his account midway through the half as he finished off some slick passing by dinking the ball over the advancing keeper to give Bude a well-deserved lead.

OPM upped their game and created some good chances for themselves but Bude’s defence held strong to ensure they went into the break ahead.

The Devon side started the second-half the better and were on level terms when they converted a well-worked short corner routine.

Chances then came and went for both teams but it was not until Jared Slade popped up at the back-post to slot home a crossfield ball and put Bude back in front.

An end-to-end match continued — highlighted by some superb movement on and off the ball by man-of-the-match Cayden Gill — ensuring that Bude posed a real threat at every attack.

But it was OPM who came the closest to securing a point. A turnover high up the right-hand side of the pitch enabled OPM to get in behind the visiting defence; and just as they were shooting into an open goal, Dan Jourdain ran in from left-back and made a match-winning clearance millimetres from the goal line to ensure the scores remain unchanged to the end of the game.

The result reflected a close tight encounter, but one that Bude deserved to win.

Bude’s first home game sees them welcome Exeter-based Isca C to Budehaven School on Saturday (2.30pm).

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League

South Division

Bude 4

Tavistock 1

THE ladies got their season off to an excellent start as they beat Tavistock 4-1 at Budehaven School.

Cara Phillips scored twice while Diane Old and Zara Higham were also on the scoresheet.

The ladies are in action again on Saturday when they head to Exeter University (midday).