WEST HOCKEY LEAGUE MEN’S PIRAN DIVISION ONE

Penzance 1 Bude 3

Bude made their longest away trip of the season to the formidable fortress that is Penzance Hockey Club to face their youthful second team and were given a stern test, but they pulled through strongly in the later stages to keep the promotion dreams alive, writes Andy Davis.

In near perfect conditions Bude started the better with a few half chances before they bullied their way into the lead as a high turnover fell for Thomas Hall who made no mistake rounding the keeper and gently slotting home the opening goal with a reverse stick punt within the first five minutes.

Bude continued to dominate the game very well and were rewarded mid-way through the first half, but the goal was disappointingly ruled out for the illegal use of the back of the stick.

Bude continued to remain on top in most departments, but Penzance always offered a threat mostly from penalty corners, however the Bude defence worked hard to keep them at arms left for the remainder of the first half to ensure they kept their noses just in front.

A slender one goal was all Bude had but they seemed comfortable and with a few tweaks started the second half optimistically that they could pull away from their hosts, but this was not the case as Penzance came out fighting.

The Penzance pressure was mounting and after a run of penalty corners they finally managed to convert one with an excellent drag flick into the net.

Bude then weathered the inevitable storm and momentum shift very well, man of the match George Drew was instrumental in defence as he thwarted many attacks down the left wing with his relentless attitude and willingness to give everything for the bigger cause as he never gave up all game and put in a truly heroic shift which helped inspire those around him.

The Bude squad really came together in the final quarter showing their strength, patience and resilience to never give up and slowly the tide began to turn as they ramped up the pressure on the home side with wave after wave of attack from all angles.

The telling point came with just 10 minutes left on the clock as Bude converted a penalty corner with a carbon copy of the last-minute winner from their last game as Kristoff deflected the ball in at the near post.

Penzance offered a couple of late scares before Charlie Falla put the icing on the cake with a mazy solo run from midfield all the way into the D where he was abruptly and clumsily brought down by the defender which resulted in a penalty flick which he duly took the courage to step up and take it himself.

Even he would admit it wasn’t his finest of flicks, but it was on target and the keeper couldn’t quite keep it out as the ball deflected in down the middle of the goal to make it 3-1 and another crucial 3 points against one of the tricker sides.

Next up is third placed Truro at home on Saturday which is another big challenge as they aim to fully cement their title credentials against another close rival and finally prove how far they have come since last season.