CARADON’S four women’s teams were all in action on Saturday in the West Hockey League with three of the sides earning a share of the spoils.

The firsts – looking to get their season kickstarted in Women’s Division One South – hosted Cornish rivals Newquay, played out in a front of a vocal home crowd at Lux Park.

Caradon started brightly, applying early pressure and creating chances through some excellent link-up play. Their efforts were rewarded when driving runs down the right created the opportunity for in-form striker Katie Oliver to fire home. However, Newquay capitalised on a breakaway to level before half-time.

The Yellows improved their shape and discipline after the break but struggled to find space against a resolute visiting defence. After falling behind, the hosts responded impressively, with Libby Walsh finishing calmly following another dangerous attack down the right to equalise with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite pressing hard for a winner, Caradon had to settle for a point, with plenty of positives to build on.

The seconds showed tremendous determination and fighting spirit to battle back from 4-2 down and secure a hard-fought 4-4 draw with their visiting Falmouth counterparts in Division Two South.

Despite facing sustained pressure, the defence worked tirelessly, with Lauren Gouge, Amy Batty, Amy White and Lily Maudsley making crucial clearances, while Beth Harris and Julia Eldridge disrupted opposition attacks. Jen Ross-Thomas also made a brave effort in goal, diving the right way to reach a well-placed flick.

In midfield, Abbie Fulford, Natalie Ridgers, Izzy Hedley and Helen Manley worked hard to create opportunities, while Clare Poad and Summer Roberts threatened up front. Poad scored twice, Ridgers finished brilliantly from Roberts’ quick sideline ball and Fulford converted a penalty corner routine.

The team’s resilience secured a deserved draw, while Roberts was named player-of-the-match for her excellent runs and assists.

The thirds travelled to Truro to face Newquay Seconds in Trelawney Division One. Caradon started strongly and dominated possession, but found the home goalkeeper in inspired form.

Against the run of play, Newquay took the lead with a fortunate dribble, but the visitors responded brilliantly, equalising with a well-taken far-post finish from Lynsey White.

Newquay regained the lead from a short corner before half-time, but following an encouraging team talk from Claire Brown and Abi Larigo, the thirds returned determined. Five minutes into the second half White struck again to level the scores.

Despite sustained pressure and numerous chances, Newquay's goalkeeper proved unbeatable as Caradon were forced to settle for a point from their trip to the Cornish capital.

The fourths visited Truro Seconds in Trelawney Division Two, and had several players missing and others stepping into unfamiliar positions.

The hosts started strongly, scoring early, and despite Caradon’s determination and hard work, added further goals to lead 3-0 at half-time.

Captain Julia Cuming and Nic Haigh delivered an inspiring half-time team talk, encouraging the side to keep fighting, and their defence was far more resolute, including seeing Caradon’s player-of-the-match Rhian Moxham producing a superb goal-line clearance to prevent another goal.

The midfield worked tirelessly, with Liv Sanders driving forward, Pippa Hedley battling hard and Kirsty Merrin making excellent interceptions, while the forwards also challenged Truro’s strong defence.

They conceded another four by the end, but despite the 7-0 defeat, Caradon showed great teamwork and spirit which will serve them well in the coming weeks.