Tavistock 3

Okehampton 1

THE South West men's hockey league matches started on Saturday with the two local sides opening.

When the two sides met at the end of last season Tavistock won a tight match that saw 11 goals, so it was not surprising that both teams based their tactics around a strong defence this time.

A close first half produced scoring opportunities for both sides, but it was Tavistock who managed to make their networking style give them the advantage. A goal from Carl Jeffery at a penalty corner gave them a half-time lead.

Tavistock improved their performance in the second half with the experienced Phil Edwards and Mark Turner controlling much midfield play.

Okehampton pushed forward at every opportunity and were rewarded with a goal from a penalty corner after ten minutes, following an initial save by keeper Neil Bradley.

Using their defence to switch the ball from one wing to another Tavistock mounted a succession of attacks and looked likely winners.

A second Tavistock goal from a penalty corner was scrambled in from close range by Jeffery to restore the home side's lead.

Jeffery scored his hat-trick five minutes from time when Roger Costello repeated a clinically rehearsed penalty corner routine to produce a simple tap in.

Okehampton are hoping to make the most of their home advantage when the two sides meet again in December.

Tavistock man of the match was right back Brian Rodder.

Tavistock: Neil Bradley, Kevin Lethbridge, Brian Rodder, Roger Costello, Bob Cowen, Phil Honey, Mark Turner, Nick Aveyard, John Barrett, Phil Edwards, Jason Lovett, Carl Jeffery.

This Saturday Tavistock v Plymouth A away.

Okehampton Seconds 5

Tavistock Seconds 1

THIS was Okehampton Second hockey team's first league game of the season.

Okehampton went behind to an early well-worked goal from Tavistock. This, however, was the inspiration Okehampton needed and they raised their game accordingly.

Strong games from the forward line of Bill Blight, Sam Bedford, Mark Parsons and Martin Vizor saw Okehampton leading 2-1 at half time with stand-in keeper Darren Phare doing well. But Tavistock were still threatening to score and Okehampton knew the game was not yet won.

The second half saw Okehampton raise their game once more and they ended in style with the best goal of the match.

Scorers: Peter Poulton (2), Sam Bedford, Mark Parsons, Martin Vizor.

Man of the match: David Dennis.