Plymouth University 2

TAVISTOCK men?s hockey team finally won their first league match of the year, and lifted themselves into mid-table.

The first 20 minutes were crucial to Tavistock, as they knew University would be a hard attacking side. Tavistock took the lead with a goal from Townsend, who hit the ball from just inside the D.

It was not long before Plymouth levelled against the run of play. Tavistock had most of the attacking play, and for their efforts won a short corner, with a well rehearsed move and P Newman struck home the second goal.

Plymouth, playing with only ten men, found themselves defending for most of the match, and Greenaway was

unmarked to score Tavistock?s third.

After a positive half-time team talk from the captain,Tavistock took total control. Although Plymouth managed a consolation second goal it was not enough. Tavistock?s forwards found themselves with plenty of space and used this to their advantage. Mackintosh scored a further two goals to put the game out of reach. Tavistock?s strong defence, led by Glanville, prevented Plymouth from scoring more, and goalkeeper Moyse had a superb game for the home side.

This week Tavistock are home against Plymouth Grammar Schools, 4.30pm start at Kelly College.

Plymouth University A 6

Tavistock 1st XI 4

TAVISTOCK men?s hockey team knew three points would strengthen their push for a top two finish at the end of the season.

Tavistock started well, with good linking play across the middle to the forwards between Barrett, P Honey, T Honey and Bellard.

Despite this, they went a goal down early on. The team responded quickly with a well taken goal by Andrews from close range, stealing in after a good assist by Bellard.

Tavistock were soon in the lead after T Honey took advantage of slack marking by the opposition to move down the right, cross the ball into the D, through Bellard and sweep over the lunging keeper into the corner by Hess.

University responded with forceful tackling which resulted in cards being shown to three of their players.

Bellard made it 3-1 half-time score, putting the ball away from close range after good work by Aveyard.

The second half started competitively with the solid defensive unit of Cowan, Knox and the ever-mighty Lethbridge keeping University at bay. However, Bradley in goal was beaten by a close range touch in to bring the score to 3-2.

Tavistock continued to pressure, which resulted with a goal from a short corner by Hess. Tavistock should have taken all the points but were undone by three smartly taken close touch goals by University.

The students continued to push and the final goal and eventual game killer came just four minutes from time.

Tavistock face another tricky away fixture this weekend against Bude.