By Andy Davis

WEST HOCKEY LEAGUE MEN’S PIRAN DIVISION ONE

Bude 5 Truro Thirds 3

THE Seasiders remain on course for promotion after edging an eight-goal thriller at Budehaven Sports Centre.

Bude started really positively and put the pressure on the visitors early on with a succession of penalty corners. But despite some well-executed routines they could not find the back of the net.

After weathering the early storm, Truro started to dominate the midfield and despite the best efforts of the defence and home keeper Oscar Kirby who pulled off a string of impressive saves, Truro took the lead.

Then, within five minutes, they had doubled it with a smart short corner.

Bude hockey team.
Bude's players talk tactics. Picture: Ajay Nicholls (Ajay Nicholls)

A sign of a quality side is not to crumble or deviate from the plan when under pressure, and pleasingly for coach Andy Davis like the previous close games, Bude did this again which would eventually prove instrumental in the win.

They steadied the ship and managed to turned things in their favour as an initial shot rebounded nicely off the diving keeper for Zack Davis who instinctively pounced on the loose ball sending it over the outstretched keeper with a deft, one touch reverse stick shot.

The decision to bring Davis in from his normal right wing role into the middle worked wonders for the hosts as they began coping much better with the strong Truro midfielders.

Tom Lush.
Tom Lush slots home a penalty flick. Picture: Ajay Nicholls ( Ajay Nicholls)

This also opened up extra space for speedster Charlie Falla who was now on the right wing; he used his pace to devastating effect with an unstoppable solo run into the D where he was unceremoniously brought down and duly awarded a penalty flick. Tom Lush made no mistake to make it 2-2.

Not satisfied, Bude relentlessly keep pushing until the end of the first half and took the lead late on \as the ever-developing Saul Barraclough saw his well-[taken shot saved, but man-of-the-match Davis was on hand yet again to pick up the pieces off his team-mate as he converted the rebound.

Saul Barraclough and Zack Davis.
Saul Barraclough and Zack Davis celebrate Bude's third goal. Picture: Ajay Nicholls. (Ajay Nicholls)

Within five minutes of the second half Truro had got themselves back on level terms with another smart penalty corner goal.

Shortly after they thought they had retaken the lead with yet another penalty corner, but it was chalked off for an infringement.

Not wanting to waste this reprieve, Bude dug deep and produced a fine team goal started by Caiden Walbridge at right-back. The ball was switched to Marc Leverton on the left wing who then found Falla on a supporting inside run who finished the move by rounding the keeper and slotting home to momentous cheers.

Drew Bardsley.
Drew Bardsley runs away from his marker. Picture: Ajay Nicholls (Ajay Nicholls)

Bude put the game beyond doubt not long after with a strong solo effort by Thomas Hall who muscled his way into the D, riding his luck past some half challenges to fire home Bude’s fifth and decisive goal.

A two-goal cushion for the remaining 10 minutes was more than enough for the savvy home defence to doggedly see the game out and secure those vital three points to round off a superb squad performance.

The result diminished any realistic hopes Truro had of promotion and makes it a clear two-horse race between Camborne School of Mines and Bude to be crowned champions.

Camborne are just out in front by two points but having played an extra game, meaning promotion is firmly in Bude’s hands.