CARADON’S tough start to the season in the Premier Division of the West Hockey League continued on Saturday as they were beaten 6-3 at Bristol University.

Bristol took advantage of the promoted side’s passive start, scoring twice in the opening half, and although Caradon improved defensively and created chances, they failed to convert.

Two penalty-corner deflections early in the second half extended Bristol’s lead to 4-0, however, Caradon responded strongly in the final quarter, with Chris Fasey and Ben Reynolds both on target to halve the deficit.

The home side restored their three-goal cushion before Ben Pennington-Ridge replied, but a late goal made it six.

There was better luck for both the seconds and thirds who scored plenty in their respective victories.

The seconds produced a dominant performance to secure an emphatic 10-1 victory at Devonport Services in Piran Division Two.

Caradon took control early, with goals from Ted Dyer, Mike Parkinson, Sam Pennington-Ridge and Drew Champion giving them a commanding 4-0 half-time lead.

The visitors continued their impressive attacking display after the break, with player-of-the-match Fenton Robins scoring twice in quick succession. Jack Cope, Liam Champion, Pennington-Ridge and Dyer added further goals to complete the rout. Caradon’s pace, passing and teamwork proved decisive throughout, despite a late consolation.

The thirds produced an entertaining performance against Bodmin Thirds in Piran Division Three, with both sides playing attacking hockey on a slippery pitch.

Mike Murphy scored twice, expertly finishing at the far post, before Matty Pennington-Ridge struck twice in the second half with excellent finishes.

However, it was debutant Isaac Wrigley who stole the show, earning player-of-the-match honours with a superb solo run down the right before firing home off the far post. Dan Harvey also found the target with a powerful rising shot. Bodmin threatened from short corners, scoring twice, including a late goal, but Caradon took plenty of positives from the contest.