xTavistock men's firsts 2

Bude 2

TAVISTOCK hockey got the new winter season underway last weekend with an opening home game at Kelly College against Bude. Both sides with familiar faces showed expectation in the early phases of the game.

The midfield return of Tom Honey linking with Paul Marchant feeding forwards Holland and Stanbury produced good chances to put the opponents on the back foot. Some surprises were in stall for the defensive line up of George, Bellard, Edwards and new blood Henry Kisby, with a break away from Bude which left Keeper Osborne somewhat stranded and Bude one-up. Good work and attacking hockey continued with debutant Dan Goldstone in the line-up showing much promise.

Tavistock's midfield continued the passing game and use of the pitch width with Hanson and Woods which saw Tavistock earn several more chances and short corners, but to no avail. A rather rash challenge gave Bude a penalty flick, duly converted which put Bude 2-0 up going into half time.

Tavistock, who had had the better of the first half but with nothing to show, came out in the second half with cool heads and the desire to make better of the constructed opportunities. So it was to be, with added zest of McDougal from the bench, Holland converted twice to level the score with heads, commitment and energy high throughout.

Overall a good positive start with even the Bude players commenting that Tavistock won the game 2-2.