THE opening of the new ladies' hockey season was marked by the debut appearance of Tavistock's new strip at Essanians Club's Tournament at Brickfields on Sunday.
Plym Valley (1-1). Plym, from a higher league, put up a strong defence and scored first. With high spirits and supportive play from the rest of the team, Judy Smallacombe was able to pull back Tavistock's first goal of the tournament.
Essanians II (1-4). From the start Tavistock applied a good deal of early pressure and Essanians found themselves defending hard. With great drives and crosses from Sue Cork and Suzannah Harland, Judy Smallacombe and Katherine put away the goal, Judy Smallacombe gaining her first hat-trick of the season.
Essanians I (0-0). Tavistock's defence was strong and there were excellent saves from keeper Julie McGowan. Tavistock fought hard and the attackers pushed forward, Sue Hornby and Izzy Lamb persisted down the wing.
Launceston (1-1). The team was strong and balanced with both the defence and attackers sharing the strong points of the game. The wings and inners worked well to keep the width, Judy Smallacombe scoring the equalising goal.
Mannamead (0-3). Tavistock's attackers worked hard which led to the majority of the game being held in Mannamead's D. They fought and this led to another hat-trick for Judy Smallacombe.
Falmouth (1-1). This was Tavistock's last game or so they thought, but this did not affect their performance. with great defence from Babs Horton and Steph Mills, Tavistock pushed forward. Smallacombe provided the last goal with some strong crosses by Louise Butt on the wing.
Tavistock's final points total was 13, this left them in second place to Plym Valley. For the first time Tavistock Ladies had reached the final in the tournament and the whole team went into the game goal-hungry.
The first half saw neither side score. By the second half both teams were starting to tire and unfortunately this led to a goal, following Tavistock's misfortune of a disallowed goal which was awarded as a short corner.
Thanks go to umpire Martyn Glanville.
There will be induction day at Bickley Barracks at 12.30 this Saturday. Anyone is welcome to come along and have a go.