Truro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Tavistock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

TAVISTOCK men's hockey team maintained their unbeaten league record on Saturday in their top of the table clash with Truro. With the Cornish side level on points, but behind on goal difference, neither side could afford to lose.

Truro started strongly and had the better attacking opportunities for the first 15 minutes, despite Tavistock's man of the match Carl Jeffery hitting the crossbar with a powerful reverse stick spot.

After a disallowed short corner goal Truro converted their next to take the lead.

Tavistock replied immediately with a strike from open play by Nick Andrews and finished the half looking the more confident side.

Tavistock continued to push forward after the break and were rewarded with the lead after five minutes when the Truro keeper ran out to flatten Jeffery on the edge of the circle. The keeper was fortunate to stay on the pitch, but Jeffery recovered enough to score from the resulting penalty

With Jason Lovell and John Barratt causing problems in the Truro defence with their fast breaks, Tavistock increased their lead from one of their few short corners, Phil Edwards finishing from a slick passing routine.

Truro pulled a goal back from another penalty corner only to see a fine solo effort from Jeffery increase the Tavistock lead to 4-2.

A tense final ten minutes followed, with the home side pushing extra players forward and scoring with an excellent first time shot from the top of the circle.

With time running out Truro levelled the score with a shot squeezing between keeper Neil Bradley and the far post. Tavistock pushed forward to regain the lead, no longer content with a draw, but ran out of time with Truro the more relieved to hear the final whistle.

Though not Tavistock's best performance defensively they played with confidence and commitment and look forward to the end of season rematch when the four first team players missing on Saturday will — hopefully — be available.

Team: Neil Bradley, Kevin Lethbridge, Brian Rodder, Roger Costello, Bob Cowen, Phil Edwards, Rob Mackintosh, John Barrett, Nick Andrews, Carl Jeffery, Jason Lovett. Sub (not used) Oliver Cowen d'Arcy.

This week: Tavistock v PGSOB A, Bickleigh, 2.2.30pm.