South West One

Tavistock 7

Okehampton 4

THIS was a classic local derby with an excellent display of attacking hockey by both sides.

Tavistock started strongly and their networking style of movement and quick pairing was rewarded with two goals from Carl Jeffrey and another from Nick Andrews.

An accidentally lifted ball reduced the visitors to ten men after a defender was struck in the face and taken to hospital.

Three goals down and a player short, Okehampton responded with passion and attacked at every opportunity. Two short corners and a quick break from mid-field resulted in three goals to level the scoreline.

A Tavistock short-corner led to a penalty flick, which was converted by Jeffrey to restore the Tavistock lead just before half-time.

The second half continued at the same pace and Tavistock quickly increased their lead with a goal by Jeffrey. An excellent move by two outnumbered Okehampton forwards produced another score to reduce the visitors' deficit to a single goal.

A further penalty flick converted by Jeffrey put Tavistock two goals ahead, as the home side finally made use of the extra space created by the missing Okehampton player.

Another strike by Andrews gave Tavistock their seventh goal and and put the match beyond the reach of the visitors.

Tavistock's man of the match award did not go to Carl Jeffrey for scoring five goals, but to Mark Turner for a skilful and combative performance at centre-half.

Tavistock 2

Plymouth University B 2

TAVISTOCK started strongly and enjoyed most of the possession. A goal from Carl Jeffrey gave them the lead at half-time.

Good team play in the second half by Tavistock produced several scoring chances and saw them increase their lead through an excellent strike by Dave Bright.

University created their own chances through quick counter-attacks and the Tavistock defence was eventually beaten ten minutes from time with a strong shot from the top of the D.

Although finishing strongly Tavistock failed to find their touch near goal and were surprised to have a penalty corner awarded against them in the dying minutes.

A good shot beat keeper Martin Osborne low to his left, but earlier saves still gave him the man of the match award.

The resulting draw keeps Tavistock fourth in the league and still in touch with their ambition of a top three finish

Team squad (both matches) M Osborne, N Costello, B Cowen, K Lethbridge, J Barrett, N Aveyard (captain), M Turner, P Edwards, A Hough, A Roberts-Wray, P Honey, J Hess, R Bellard, D Bright, N Andrews, C Jeffrey.

This Saturday Tavistock v St Austell (away)