Friendly

Tavistock B men 1

Plymouth Marjons C 0

WITHOUT a league fixture, Tavistock Hockey Club B faced Marjon C in a friendly game and both sides taking the opportunity to play a young team, along with a few experienced players, this looked to be a flowing game.

The expectation did not disappoint, as both sides came with an attacking mentality.

Tavistock had taken the opportunity to shuffle the positions and this led to some great play. With the new format, they took a little while to settle into their positions. Tavistock weathered a spirited start from Marjon, who had some skilful players on show.

‘Midfield general’ Cull played with great confidence and took control of the centre with great tenacity in the tackle and distribution.

The speed of Russell and Kirwin created problems and Kurzman was a constant thorn in the visitors’ defence as he harried and hassled.

James Lamb playing his first senior game, as well as his first full pitch match, showed great vision and skill.

With the senior players of Gott, Campbell and Bicknell at the back, Tavistock had great experience and this showed on the occasions that Marjon broke into the home side D. Gunther-Rees continued to show what an asset he is and continues to develop as a great attacking defender. Stand-in keeper Bowles played his first senior game in goal and made some important interceptions with his faultless positioning. Staig made his welcome return after injury and showed his usual skills and how much he was missed.

The opportunities were being created at both ends but Tavistock clinched the winning goal from one of the many chances when Walker made a superb reflex strike and powered the ball into the net from close range.

This was a major step forward in the development of the young players in Tavistock.