South West one

TAVISTOCK A 0

ASHMOOR B 4

IN the first ever meeting between Tavistock A and Ashmoor B, Ashmoor seized the initiative from the start. With well-practiced tactics, they played confident, attacking hockey, finding space and attacking Tavistock’s defence repeatedly.

Tavistock absorbed the pressure for 15 minutes but a near miss and two good saves from Osbourne were required. A minute later a neat series of passes ended in a simple finish putting Ashmoor ahead. Only eight minutes later they did the same again, leaving defenders wrong-footed and the keeper with no view for 2-0.

Berry then took control of Tavistock’s centre and the home side began to string passes together. Despite struggling to escape from 16-yard hits, Tavistock got back into the game. However, 10 minutes before half time Ashmoor scored again after a loose ball.

Coming back from 3-0 never looked likely but Tavistock consistently improved. For the first time this season they held their positions, covering the whole pitch and denying Ashmoor easy breaks.

Three penalty corners in the second half provided real scoring opportunities, albeit they were not converted. The attack and midfield jointly created numerous good attacks and deserved to get on the scoreboard.

Ashmoor who had the last say, scoring a fourth goal eight minutes before time. Despite some scrappy moments, Tavistock overall looked like a coherent team. When players made errors they were immediately backed up by team-mates and when players advanced too far they used players behind them to keep possession and the initiative.