Tavistock firsts 3
Exeter University 5
THIS was a nail biting lead to the last game of the season, Tavistock mathematically not 'safe' from the relegation zone, four teams from this league going down, the match would be a very tough ask for Tavistock, playing the confirmed league champions.
As it turned out, results were in from other games within South division two, thus relieving the pressure and all could enjoy the game with nothing to effect the overall league position. With this weight lifted Tavistock proceeded to play some flowing hockey and found themselves taking control, through the efforts of Josh Cowan and John Barrett in midfield linking with forwards of Anders Cooley and the rejuvenated Nick Andrews.
Wide midfielders Tom Unwin and Bob Carr kept pressing the University side finding gaps and stretching the play. Exeter struggled to keep composure and found themselves with less than the full compliment and going into half time Tavistock were 3-1 up.
Concerted efforts from the defence of Dale Wood, Gareth George, Rory Carr and Phil Edwards held the youth of the University for much of the second half with Keeper Paul Mingo pulling off some fine saves.
However, pressure paid off for the University as they clawed their way back in to the game.
At 3-3 the home side would have been proud to take a point of the champions but the final ten minutes saw even a point slip from the heroic performance, with Exeter finally winning 3-5.
Tavistock maintain a position in the South Division with much to reflect upon, a season which has seen some great progress from the younger players and team spirit grow throughout.