Unbeaten Saturday for Caradon's ladies teams

ALL four of Caradon’s women’s teams went unbeaten on Saturday in the West Hockey League with wins for the firsts and fourths.

The firsts welcomed Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary in sunny conditions in Women’s Division One South and earned three valuable points in front of a strong home support.

Despite missing several players and fielding just 12, the Yellows started brightly, moving the ball well and creating early chances. Forwards Katie Oliver, Lila Johns and Saffy Barriball-Cripps worked tirelessly to pressure the visitors with Oliver, Libby Walsh and Abigail Ingram all finding the net.

Caradon took the lead in the first half, but Sidmouth levelled with a well-executed penalty corner. Determined to claim maximum points, the home side stepped up their intensity, adding two goals through persistent attacking pressure.

Sidmouth fought back to make it 3-2, setting up a tense final 15 minutes. However, the Cornish outfit held firm to secure a deserved victory.

The seconds secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw away at Devonport Services in Division Two South after dominating the first half and battling fatigue in the unseasonal heat.

Despite a delayed warm-up, the Yellows started brightly, creating numerous chances. Kerenza Bunt, returning from injury, troubled the defence, while Clare Poad and Izzy Hedley also threatened.

Caradon’s pressure finally paid off just before half-time when Helen Manley and Poad combined brilliantly from a short corner to score.

The Plymouth hosts changed their formation after the break, putting Caradon under increasing pressure. With no substitutes available, tired legs began to show, but the defence stood firm. However, the Devonians eventually equalised with 15 minutes remaining. Caradon survived a late short corner to claim a point, although victory felt within reach.

The thirds battled back to earn a 1-1 draw against visiting Camborne School of Mines in Trelawney Division One after a difficult first half.

The away team started strongly, displaying excellent passing and taking the lead with a well-executed deflection from a short corner. Caradon struggled to find their rhythm and went into half-time trailing 1-0.

A tactical formation change by captain Claire Brown at the break transformed the home side’s performance. Caradon began moving the ball confidently, linking up with some excellent passing and putting the West Cornwall side under increasing pressure.

Their efforts paid off when a superb clearance from Brown in defence found Daisy Wrigley, who skilfully beat two defenders before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to equalise.

Caradon pushed hard for a winner, but the points were shared after an improved second-half display.

The fourths secured a well-deserved victory over Tavistock in Trelawney Division Two after a determined team performance from a mixed squad of 12.

The hosts started strongly, applying pressure in the opening quarter, but Caradon grew into the game, moving the ball well and communicating effectively.

Lauren Gerry was outstanding in defence, supported by Nicola Haigh, Vanessa Clarke and Julia Cuming, who worked tirelessly to keep the opposition at bay.

In an evenly contested first half, Anneliese Shannon broke the deadlock, winning possession in the opposition's D and slotting home just before half-time.

Tavistock earned several short corners, including one in the dying moments, but Caradon's disciplined defending kept every effort out.

Congratulations to Tilly Whittle on her impressive debut, while Haigh deservedly earned the player-of-the-match gong for her relentless running and excellent defensive work.