Tavistock 11
UNSHCA 1
A DYNAMIC performance by Tavistock men?s first hockey team was handed out against the visiting services side last Saturday.
The new striking partnership of Matt Way and Daniel Heard linked beautifully and dragged the US defence from pillar to post. With the midfield linking well with the attack, Tavistock were unstoppable.
The goals were scored in a stylish and sometimes teasing manner. The close ball skills of Heard (6) enabled him to manoeuvre around a crowded D and Ways (3) speed and deception was always a danger.
With the bonus of Nick Andrews (1), ever goal hungry and the tenacity of Nick Boot-Handford (1), goals tumbled in.
The pleasing side of this performance was not necessarily the goals scored but the overall performance of the team. Short sharp passing out of defence, by Rodda, Honey (senior and junior), Aveyard and Barrat, left US flat-footed. Solid tackling and composure in the backline of Lethbridge and Costello and the powerful play of Cowen and Bellard contained most sorties into the home sides D. The welcome return of the long-term injured Edwards was also an encouraging contribution.
Tavistock have two difficult league games left and are currently sitting third in SW1.