South West one

Truro C 2

IT is a sign of the times when a 2-1 loss for Tavistock A is a good result but that’s what it was.

This has been a tough season for Tavistock A, who go into the Christmas break bottom of their league. A bare 11 travelled away without a goalkeeper to play a Truro C side near the top of the league.

Tavistock captain Hugh Venton donned the goalkeeping kit and faced the Truro attack, which was organised and skilful but did not overwhelm the visitors.

The first quarter was played mainly in Tavistock’s half but one quick, dangerous break reminded Truro they were not guaranteed anything. Truro scored a skilful penalty corner after 20 minutes and were denied several field goals by Venton, who showed very considerable talent in goal.

Truro scored another penalty corner just before the break, by which time Tavistock were stringing together lots of good passes. When attacks got into trouble Tavistock pulled the ball back, re-grouped and attacked again – earlier in the season they would have pressed on and lost possession. Against Truro C their passing was selfless and effective.

Venton used every part of his armour and stick to deflect shots and Tavistock mounted attacks themselves - Dee Kirwan, Martin Walker and Dom Walker all created opportunities on the break. 

Despite continuous Truro attacks, the back four of Freddy Bott, Zak Kirwan, Oscar Oursin and John Campbell tackled hard and kept them out. Will Russell and James Lamb worked exceptionally hard all match, linking the play together. When the final whistle went, Tavistock could hold their heads high, having conceded no field goals, maintained their structure and given a competent, high energy, team performance.