Caradon Ladies 1 3

Plymouth University 3

Caradon entertained table-toppers Plymouth University who, until this match, were yet to concede a goal.

The youthful University team were first to find their groove, dominating possession and controlling the game.

Caradon were hanging on but were struggling with the speed in which they were being closed down, resulting in possession being lost almost as quickly as it was gained.

The visitors took the lead and Caradon could have easily thrown in the towel, but this is a team which never gives up.

The midfield trio of Amy Greenbank, Carina Batten and Glayne Price were beginning to win more 50/50 challenges and gradually the home team were forcing their way into the circle and creating chances and penalty corners. The equalising goal came from captain Laura Tuxford who finished powerfully from a well-worked penalty corner routine.

The half-time talk was focused and all of the players knew they had to up the speed in all aspects if they were to take anything from the game.

This had an immediate effect and it was clear that Caradon had changed gear and that the students were really up against it. Chances came and went for both teams but it was the visitors who took the lead again through a penalty corner.

Fleur Worden was starting to find more space and it was her determined play which led to another equaliser.

Man of the match Anna Harding received a pass from Worden at the top of the circle; her perfectly-weighted pass to Clare Poad was tucked away, but the lead was soon taken again after the softest of goals at another penalty corner.

Helen Delbridge was having a great game, and it was her numerous saves which meant Caradon were still within touching distance of a much-deserved point. With five minutes to play Worden’s long pass found Poad with only the keeper to beat. The ball was controlled and lifted over the keeper and the scores were level.

Both teams seemed to settle for a share in the points and go into their next games protecting unbeaten records.

A great team spirit and pure determination will make Caradon a difficult team to beat this season, and they look forward to travelling to Torbay after the half-term break.

Read more hockey news in this week’s Cornish Times