Devon two

Dart A 3

Tavistock men’s B 0

THE weather was fine and clear and the new Astroturf pitch at King Edward School promised to be a big improvement on the one condemned last season and since replaced.

The match was evenly matched from the outset, with play moving from end to end. The defence, comprising Gott, Campbell, Honey and Gunther, absorbed the pressure of several attacks, but after 20 minutes it was Dart who opened the account when a momentary lapse in defensive marking allowed their striker to slip around keeper Osborne and push the ball against the backboard.

Tavistock counter-attacked but could not bring things level and at half time the score remained 1-0 to Dart.

The second half saw Tavistock begin to string together passes and both teams began to create opportunities. Andrews, Russell and Maxa began to test the Dart keeper and were unlucky not to equalise.

Attacks up both wings were ably supported by Whitehead and Kirwin in the midfield, leading to the first penalty corner for Tavistock. Anning’s flick was saved by the keeper and Dart counter-attacked.

An aerial lifted into the D resulted in a shot on goal. Osborne made an excellent save but was very unlucky when the ball dropped at the feet of another Dart player who took a simple opportunity and scored the second goal of the game.

With time running down and trailing by two goals Tavistock began to press forward and Andrews was unlucky to miss a shot on goal following a series of quick accurate passes up the left side of the field.

Anning failed to control a second penalty corner and inevitably as Tavistock pressed up the field, Dart seized the chance to counter. A shot was intercepted by a Tavistock defender’s stick as Osborne began his dive to intercept it. The result was a hockey ball that trickled forward in slow motion - the teams watched as Osborne, unable to recover his balance, fell over the ball which simply bobbled, agonisingly for the visitors, at walking pace into the goal.

It was an unjust ending for Osborne who was on top form and had a superb game otherwise. Also worthy of mention are Ryan Gunther who was Tavistock’s man of the match based on his work-rate and commitment, and Isaac Kirwin, who impressed everyone with his composure on the ball and tenacity.

Overall 3-0 was not a fair reflection of the match and Tavistock look forward to welcoming Dart to their own new pitch on February 24.