South West one

Duchy 2

What a game this turned out to be! Duchy are dominating this league, sweeping all before them with an experienced, disciplined side, and could not have expected much from mid-table Tavistock at their first meeting.

However, Tavistock were not going to lie down. The game swung back and forth, Duchy looking better organised but Tavistock making up the difference in sheer work-rate. Duchy broke the deadlock in the 18th minute with a strong field goal but Tavistock fought back undaunted, and continued to mount  attacks. In the 29th minute they were rewarded when Ollie Allsop evened the score with a perfect strike on the end of a well organised attack.

The match remained tight in the second half, both sides winning penalty corners and making chances. Duchy focused on their left wing and an attack in the 48th minute led to a narrowly-angled cross slipping under the defence sticks, leaving keeper Fletcher unsighted and an easy knock in for the visiting striker.

Tavistock never flagged but despite another shot on goal and another penalty corner could not pull back a draw.

The game could have gone either way and Duchy acknowledged afterwards they felt vulnerable for the first time this season.

Men of the match for Tavistock were the midfielders, Will Russell, Jake Walker and Isaac Staig who played their hearts out and held together a hugely impressive and mature team performance. Tavistock may not have taken any points, but they have improved yet again and their confidence is at a high.