CARADON’S ladies’ first team backed up their useful draw at Taunton by seeing off Cornish rivals Penzance 3-1 on Saturday in Division One South of the Women’s West Hockey League.

Despite being without key players and fielding just 12, Caradon adapted brilliantly, maintaining the formation and confidence that served them so well in recent weeks.

The forward trio of Jess Berry, Saffy Barriball-Cripps and Lily Johns kept the Penzance defence under constant pressure with their pace and movement, and Barriball-Cripps opened the scoring in the first half following excellent interplay, before adding her second after the break.

The West Cornwall outfit later got one back, but Libby Walsh completed the scoring with a superb lob over the goalkeeper.

Strong performances throughout the team, particularly from the midfield and defensive units, ensured the visitors struggled to create opportunities.

The seconds travelled to Exeter Thirds with a squad of 12 for a fiercely contested encounter, eventually suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat in Division Two South.

Caradon made a flying start, taking the lead after just two minutes when Julia Eldridge converted from a short corner following an assist from Helen Manley. However, Exeter equalised midway through the first half, leaving the sides level at the break.

Both teams created chances in an end-to-end second half, with the Cornish outfit showing plenty of determination. Summer Roberts and Izzy Hedley caused problems out wide, while Laura Hill and Clare Poad worked tirelessly to drive the team forward.

The Devonians’ edged ahead through a penalty corner, and despite the Yellows’ continued efforts to find an equaliser, the hosts held on for victory. A battling team performance, with plenty of positives to take into the next fixture.

The thirds secured an impressive 5-2 victory over Okehampton in Trelawney Division Two following a determined performance.

Despite conceding an early goal, the team responded brilliantly, increasing the pressure and creating several attacking opportunities.

Okehampton scored first, but Daisy Wrigley equalised with a superb finish before adding a second following some excellent passing play. Charlotte Tamblyn then found the net to give the team a deserved 3-1 lead at half-time.

The second half proved more challenging, but the team maintained possession and continued to create chances. Wrigley completed her hat-trick with a clinical finish before Fleur Worden sealed the victory with a well-executed short-corner strike.

Despite the Okes pulling another goal back, the team remained composed to secure a convincing 5-2 win.

The fourths welcomed Newquay Thirds Development for a friendly fixture, with Newquay arriving five players short. But thanks to some Caradon players donning red bibs, two teams were quickly formed, ensuring an enjoyable game for everyone which provided a great opportunity to build fitness, practice skills and put training into action.

Player-of-the-match Olivia Sanders impressed with her energy and pace, scoring twice in the first half, alongside a goal from a Caradon player helping the opposition. The Yellows added further goals in the second half through Jo Maudsley and Evelyn Moxham, while Cally Bowers also produced an excellent performance in goal, making several important saves. Newquay grabbed a late consolation, but were beaten 5-1.

This coming weekend sees the firsts have a weekend off, the seconds host Duchy (12.30pm) at Lux Park and the thirds visit their Plymouth Lions counterparts (10am) on Saturday, while the fourths go to Falmouth Thirds on Sunday at Penryn College (midday).