BUDE Hockey Club finished off 2019 on a high as both senior teams ended with impressive 3-1 away wins, however it was not all plain sailing.

The women’s team started their 2019/20 West Clubs Women’s Hockey League South Division campaign with a win at Okehampton, but this opening day optimism was soon dampened by a six-game losing streak which really dented the confidence of the relatively young and inexperienced squad. The senior players rallied around to support and inspire the others, showing great determination as they dug deep to turnaround their fortunes finishing with two huge wins against teams in a similar position to them at the foot of the table.

Ahead of the second half of the season, which starts on January 18 with a visit from ninth-placed Okehampton (2.30pm), Amy Gear’s side now currently sit in a solid sixth place out of ten in the league table, yet the league is finely balanced on a knife’s edge with the bottom eight teams separated by just seven points, so they will need to continue collecting points at every opportunity to keep themselves ahead of the chasing pack. Looking forward they just need more of the same and as experience grows hopefully they will turn those couple of close losses into draws or wins to help move them even higher up in the table.

The men entered pre-season in great form and with high hopes of a successful season in Southern Two of the Verde Recreo Hockey League, based on last year’s results. But unfortunately due to matters beyond their control, points did not pan out as they hoped.

They struggled for a consistent team early on and the results reflected in this with two losses, a draw and a win from the opening four games. But things went from bad to worse as injuries and further player availability issues saw them lose four on the trot. In such a close fought league this meant they had to quickly adjust their aspirations from promotion-chasing to league survival, but they knew that once they had their full squad available they would be more than a match for anyone in the league and could pick up points against almost anyone. This proved true as in the last three games the squad got stronger and the points came with two comfortable wins against teams around them and a thrilling 3-3 draw against high-flying Ashmoor A saw them grab some much needed points.

Disappointingly this only lifted them two places from the foot of the table but really keeps them in touch with the middle of the pack just above them. They will be hoping for a full and fit squad for the new year to help them continue to climb up the table to safety.

They return to action on Saturday (January 4) with a trip to Truro C in the Cornwall County Cup before hosting Camborne School of Mines a week later in the league.

On another positive note, the men’s team entered the Cornwall County Cup this year and have been able to give some of their upcoming youngsters some competitive game time and the signs are really promising.

The junior section have also performed well in their respective age groups; coming up against some good teams on their travels meant the results they gained do not truly reflect their performances.

A number of junior players have performed so well they have been selected to play at county level and this shows how much hard work they have put in at school and club level. This will not only benefit themselves but also the whole club going forward as they all look forward to what will no doubt be an interesting and exciting 2020!