Conference South

Teign 1

Tavistock 5

TAVISTOCK Hockey Club men’s first team travelled to Dawlish in need of the three points to keep themsleves in the hunt for promotion but were without Bob Carr, Sam Willetts, Pete Chevin and Andy Berry.

With three of the regular back line missing, a quick reshuffle saw Guy Barnes step in a right back and player coach Si Fenwick play at left back.

The unavailability of regular players also saw youngster George Bott make his first team debut, his performance showed composure and confidence far beyond his 14 years of age.

The visitors started the game with the same aggressive pressing with which they finished last week against Exeter University and went into the half time break with a 4-0 lead thanks to goals from Dom Stanbury, a brace from Mark Forshaw and an unstopable shot from the backhand of Ben Hancox, which rocketed into the roof of the net.

The second half saw less opportunities on goal for the away side; however, Dom Stanbury did score his second of the game from a quick counter attack, which was set up after a majestic touch from Ollie Richards in the middle of the pitch, Richards delfected the ball through his legs and between two Teign defenders to set Stanbury on his way to goal to restore the four goal advantage after the home side had converted from a penalty corner.

The experience of midfielders Honey and Blonden allowed Tavistock to maintain possession for long periods and dictate the tempo of the game and ultimately see out the game to ensure all three points. 

The win sees Tavistock move back up to third place level on points with North Somerset and three points behind leaders Exeter University.