Tavistock 1st XI 2

Okehampton 1st XI 4

TAVISTOCK men's hockey firsts began their season on Saturday with a non-league West Devon derby against local rivals Okehampton.

After last week's victory over higher ranked opponents, Okehampton seem to have hit the ground running.

But Tavistock started strongly and the first 20 minutes proved their best period as Okehampton were forced to defend the probing runs of Andrews and Costello down the left and Honey and Aveyard on the right.

With Matthew Way dominant in midfield Tavistock created several scoring chances but were denied by some good defensive work.

As a lack of match fitness began to show in many of the Tavistock players, Okehampton asserted themselves and were rewarded with a well-struck goal by Sam Bedford three minutes before half-time.

Okehampton started the second half with confidence and quickly won a penalty stroke, expertly placed in the top corner by Richard Jones. A third goal was added from a swift Okehampton attack converted by Matthew Vernon.

Tavistock pushed forward and won a penalty stroke and their own when Ricky Bellard was fouled while shooting at close range. Captain Nick Aveyard converted to give Tavistock hope of a respectable scoreline. This was short-lived as Vernon added his second against a tiring Tavistock Defence.

Making use of rolling subs Tavistock regained some measure of control in the final minutes and scored their second when Rob Kirby flicked the ball over the keeper.

This Saturday Tavistock have a squad training session — 4.30pm Kelly College — instead of a match.