USHC 2
TAVISTOCK Men?s 1st XI Hockey always knew this would be a tough game but with a handful of unavailable players stuck to the youth policy rigorously.
Fielding four players in the 16 to 17 year age group bodes well for the future and they all benefit from the experience.
Tavistock started the brighter and put the home side under immediate pressure. Dom Lovett, Tom Honey and Nick Boot-Handford penetrated the US defence and always looked dangerous.
The Services side weathered the storm and began to dominate the midfield and the game and Tavistock were finding themselves penned into their own half.
Tavistock began to break down the home side?s tight hold on the game and slightly against the run of play created another sweet move that resulted in Honey powering in the first goal.
Services maintained their pressure but James Pitts pulled off numerous saves to retain Tavistock?s dominance.
Many further opportunities were created by the fast and penetrative visitors? midfield and forwards but further chances were squandered which would have offered the ?safety zone? that Tavistock required.
The second half began with Tavistock weathering a US storm but with the leadership of Lethbridge and the powerful support of Cowen, Thomas and Edwards in defence, seemed to contain all that was thrown at them.
With the home side desperate for points the pressure was incessant and although Tavistock had many chances to increase the score, the US side scrabbled in the equaliser.
With the last two minutes signalled, Tavistock were looking for the draw but the determined Services side wanted the points and scored the winner in the last minute.
Man of the match: James Pitts.
This week Tavistock are at home against Bridgwater, start time 4.30pm.