Pumas 4
TAVISTOCK Pumas mixed summer league hockey team saved their best performance until last. In a game they needed to win to ensure they finished top of their respective league, the Pumas dominated throughout.
Adopting a policy of rolling substitutions ensured all team players had a game, and youthful legs were running to full strength until the final whistle.
Stirling midfield work by Becky Hutton, Emma Bowden, Carl Jeffrey, Mathew Way and Phil Edwards meant the forward line of James Alford, Judy Smallacombe, Nick Boot-Hanford, Joe Hess and Nick Andrews had ample supply of ball to tease the Chudleigh goalkeeper to pull off a string of fine saves.
The deadlock was broken by a superb shot from Becky Hutton, a rebound shot from Nick Boot-Hanford and a super strike from Carl Jeffreys to take the score line to 3:0 at half time.
In the second half Tavistock eased off the pedal slightly and allowed the opposition a rare strike on goal as the defensive trio of Fiona Dunn, Sue Hornby and Rob Kirby and goalkeeper Martin Osborne to be beaten from a penalty corner strike.
This only sparked the Pumas back into life and Mathew Way produced a dazzling, weaving run with the opposition defence in tatters to strike from the edge of the D to restore a three-goal cushion.
The final flurry was an extraordinary strike and goal from Chudleigh, which warranted generous applause from the Pumas touchline.
The Pumas management thanked all players and umpires for their contribution to this championship winning team, with special thanks to Fiona Dunn, Ricky Bellard and Martin Osborne.
Team trophies for Top Lass and Top Lad were awarded to Judy Smallacombe and Joe Hess.