Saltash based Essanians LHC have started their league campaign in encouraging style. Having lost several players mainly from their defence, Saltash have battled back from losing their first two league games, 1-0 to United Services and 4-1 to Plymouth II, to defeat Liskeard 4-3 in the Quarter Finals of the Cornwall Knockout Cup and stopping Mannamead's winning streak by beating them 4-2.

The Cup game against Liskeard was especially encouraging. After going 3-1 up, with all three goals coming from Clare Poad, Liskeard fought back to make it 3-3, taking the game to extra time. Essanians showed a lot of team spirit and scored the vital goal in the last minute of extra time, the winning goal coming from Helen Manley.

There were several excellent performances from the younger players such as Helen Marley and Nicola Dymond but the star of the day was Mairead Munro who had an excellent game in goal, saving a penalty flick at 3-3; considering this was only her third game in goal, this was a superb performance.

Essanians took their performance into their League Match against unbeaten Mannamead. The Saltash side started well with a fine solo goal from Clare Poad, who then scored from a cross by Karen Reynolds to make it

2-0 at half time. Clare Poad went on to score two more to make it 4-0. Mannamead battled back and scored through Liz Roe. Essanians' defence held firm until a facial injury to Roe unsettled the home side and spurred on Mannamead who pulled another goal back to make the final score 4-2. This was a fine performance from the Saltash side who have pulled together despite losing several key players at the beginning of the season. It was an excellent day for the Club as the Second XI beat Callington 3-1 in a brilliant peformance, all three goals coming from youngster Ellie Fine. Anybody interested in playing hockey or umpiring for this rejuvenated Club should contact 1st Team Captain Karen Reynolds on 01752 847329 or Vice Captain Elayne Price on 01579 383083.