Tavistock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Plymouth Parkway . . .. . . . . . 1

LANGSFORD Park witnessed its biggest crowd for a decade when "Groundhoppers" swelled the numbers to six times the normal.

This fanatical bunch of football supporters had travelled from all over the United Kingdom and there were even visitors from Holland and Belgium.

It was the first of three seasons of groundhops for the Jewson South Western League and Tavistock was the final game. The hoppers had visited Torpoint, Millbrook and Saltash on Good Friday. Holsworthy were the first host on Saturday followed by Launceston and finally Tavistock.

The Town Mayor Roger Mathew, was in attendance and met the players prior to kick off.

Tavistock Stannary Brass entertained the crowd prior to the game and also at half time.

The game did not take off until the 85th minute and prior to that the only excitement came when Parkway's keeper Richard Rowe saved a point blank shot from Lambs' striker Jeff Babb and Mark Young shot over when put through for a one on one situation with Andy Meeds.

The Lambs thought they had got the decisive goal five minutes from the close.

Craig Hodge had come on as substitute moments before and his first touch was to send Chris Kiely up the wing who squared the ball for John Gosling to fire home.

It was with practically the last kick of the game when Parkway equalised.

Wade Price fed the ball through for his brother Liam and it was questionable whether he or defender Andy Parnowski got a touch to send it past Meeds.

A cruel end for the Lambs to concede at the death but the explosive end pleased the Groundhoppers.

The Mayor and Jewson South Western League President, Tristan Scott, presented certificates to over 200 hoppers who had attended all six matches.

Next Easter will see six more teams in the league play host to the hoppers.

Team Andy Meeds, Danny McTighe, James Cole, Andy Parnowski, Dave Symons,(sub Craig Hodge 84m) Darren Babb, Chris Gott, (sub Peter Tiffney75m), Mark Wall, Jeff Babb, Chris Kiely and John Gosling. Subs not used Marcus Crocker, Craig Brook and Ben Pinkham.

'As the Groundhop matchday co-ordinator I wish to thank all those who helped prior, during and after the game. It has been a memorable day for all concerned,' said spokesman Eric Pinch.

Tomorrow night (Friday) the Lambs take on Millbrook in the penultimate home game of the season.

The game has been brought forward a day to enable the players extra time to recover for the Jewson South Western League Cup Final on Monday, May 1 against St Blazey at Torpoint KO 3pm.

The team will be travelling over the Tamar in the morning for an early lunch at a hotel and there will be a supporters coach leaving from Langsford Park.

Put your name down on the list in the club or give the club a phone on 614447 to reserve your seat.

Forthcoming fixtures: Friday 29 April — Jewson Tavistock v Millbrook Langsford Park K O 7 30pm.

Sun 30 April — Tavistock Youth v Prince Rock Langsford Park KO 2.00pm.

Monday May 1 — at Torpoint, Jewson South Western League Cup Final Tavistock v St Blazey K O 3 00pm extra time if necessary.

Replay if necessary at Saltash Thur May 4.

Tuesday, May 2 — Tavistock P & D v University Langsford Park K O 7. 30pm.