West Dorset 0

Tavistock mens' firsts 4

THE Tavistock men's first hockety team travelled to Bridport for this first versus third top of the table clash and it turned out to be the tough encounter the Reds were expecting.

The home side have put together some impressive results so far this season and it was clear to see why they were fighting at the top of the league. In what soon proved to be a competitive game it was the home side who had the better of the early exchanges, forcing Tavistock keeper Matt Graham to make a number of fine saves to keep the game all square.

Tavistock's best chance came when Barny Megicks created space for himself to fire a reverse stick effort against the post.  Tavistock looked ready to put in another fine second half performance but again it was the home side who started the brighter. They should have taken the lead within seconds of the restart but were unable to convert the chance at the back post. This near miss gave Tavistock the kick they needed and they then started to retain possession of the ball and look more like the attacking threat they have been all season.  

Forward Si Fenwick  converted from a penalty corner flicking the ball in off the underside of the crossbar, just minutes later the Reds were awarded another penalty corner which was slipped to Dom Stanbury who calmly flicked the ball into the far corner to give Tavistock a 2-0 lead.  

West Dorset noticeably increased the tempo of their game in an attempt to get the goal but it was the visitors who claimed the third goal of the game, hitting the home side on the break. Tavistock won their third penalty corner of the game which was again slipped to Stanbury who again showed great composure to slide the ball past the keeper with a fine reverse stick effort.  

The third goal killed off any chance of a home comeback and after a defensive error and lightning quick reactions from Henry Chamberlain Tavistock scored their fourth goal when Chamberlain drew the keeper and passed to an unmarked Megicks to pass the ball into an open goal.  Although the table topping Reds took their chances in front of goal the game was a lot closer than the score line suggests and West Dorset will look to bounce back and continue their promotion run.  

The victory, combined with Isca's defeat to Plymouth University, means Tavistock have a six point lead at the top of the league and are 10 points clear of third place Bude.