Saturday, November 23

Verde Recreo Hockey League

Southern Two

Bodmin 1

DAVID Woodward’s brace gave Bude a vital 3-1 victory at fellow strugglers Bodmin.

Bude made the short trip to their fellow Cornish outfit, who had also been suffering from similar results, knowing that a win would open up a nice cushion between them in the race for survival.

Bodmin started spritely and managed to put the early pressure on Bude but they could only find a couple of wayward shots.

This woke Bude up and after a couple of fruitless counter attacks they manufactured a short corner opportunity. Although the routine did not go to plan initially, they persevered and eventually found Jon Elliot who made himself some time and space at the back-post from where he fired home.

Bude continued to dominate the middle of the pitch allowing them to create the better chances, but it was Bodmin who drew level as a short corner was deemed to have hit the defender’s leg on the way to go goal, so a penalty flick was awarded which was neatly put away despite the best efforts of keeper Andy Davis.

The score then remained level into the half-time break and well into the second-half despite Bude’s continued dominance. The pressure eventually tolled as Woodward pulled off a spectacular reverse shot scoop come flick into the top corner of the net to put Bude back in front.

Bude knew that a one-goal lead may not be enough against a determined Bodmin fighting for survival. So they channelled these feelings into momentum to keep creating chances which they knew would eventually turn into a goal, thus avoiding a nervy finish.

The visitors’ hard work was duly rewarded when a well-worked short corner routine was slipped right to Woodward who riffled home a straight strike to grab his brace.

With a sufficient cushion now gained, Bude’s whole team pulled together to not give Bodmin an inch with everyone playing superbly right up to the final whistle.

The defence snubbed out every Bodmin attack quickly, turning it into their own using the skill of the midfield to seamlessly link up with the front men who were led by the outstanding Henry Gwynn-Thomas. It was his electric pace and simple passing that caused the Bodmin defence numerous problems all game and saw him edge the man-of-the-match award, which was closely fought between a number of outstanding performances.

Bude will be looking for more of the same with the addition of home advantage as they face high-flying Ashmoor on Saturday (2.30pm).

West Clubs Women’s Hockey League

South Division

Bude 7

Plym Valley 2

BUDE put in a superb performance to move off the bottom table with a 7-2 victory over Plym Valley on Saturday.

Boosted by a near full-strength team, the hosts took an early lead through Tammy Snowsill, which seemed to inspire them for the rest of the contest.

The second goal came as great distribution from Emily Shepherd and Snowsill saw the ball played wide to Lucy Storry and Leanne Stanbury who used great skills and determination to continue her good recent form.

Plym Valley pulled one back following a fast drive down the right-wing.

However the home defence picked up the pace, and with Louise Shepherd, Clare Westaway and Maddie Old holding strong at the back, further goals from Cara Phillips and Nim Panesar put them 4-1 up.

Goalkeeper Amy Gear was doing her bit to stop the visitors, but was unable to stop the Devon side grabbing the second before the break.

After half-time Bude fought even harder, especially as they knew a win was critical for the rest of the season.

With wingers Anna Elliot and Charlotte Gist making excellent runs down the flanks to opening up channels for strikers Ruby Bryant and Tilly Daniel to apply pressure on the Plym Valley defence, the hosts notched a further three efforts before the end with Daniel, Bryant and Stanbury all on target, to record a 7-2 win and move themselves above White Eagles on goal difference.

They travel to Pool School in Cornwall on Saturday for a clash with Duchy (12.15pm) knowing that if they win, and other results go in their favour, they could end the first half of the season as high as sixth in the ten-team division.