A SPIRITED late comeback wasn’t quite enough as Caradon were edged out 5-4 by visiting Clifton Robinsons Seconds at Lux Park on Saturday in the West Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.

The visitors took an early lead before Tyler Walsh converted a penalty stroke to make it 2-1. Clifton restored their two-goal advantage before scoring twice more in the third quarter to lead 5-1.

The Yellows responded strongly in the final quarter, with Ben Hedley scoring twice, including a superb tomahawk finish, before Ben Pennington-Ridge then deflected home Walsh’s pass to reduce the deficit to one.

Despite a determined finish, Caradon ran out of time, leaving them still searching for their first points of the season.

They also played on Sunday, again at home, but were beaten 4-1 by Cheltenham despite an improved performance.

The home side started positively, enjoying better possession and pressing effectively, but the visitors took the lead against the run of play late in the opening quarter.

A tense second and third quarter saw both sides create chances, while Caradon were controversially denied an equaliser. Tyler Walsh converted a penalty corner early in the final quarter to level the scores. However, two quick goals, including a penalty stroke, put Cheltenham in control. A deflected effort then sealed victory.

The seconds secured a convincing 7-1 victory at Ocean City Fourths on Saturday in Piran Division Two, despite a frustrating start.

Drew Champion opened the scoring with a reverse strike before David Brice capitalised on defensive errors to net twice.

Ted Dyer added a fourth from a well-worked short corner routine, giving Caradon a commanding half-time lead.

The Plymouth-based side pulled one back early in the second half, but Brice completed his hat-trick with a diving finish.

Liam Champion then scored with a clever lifted effort before Dyer netted his second from another short corner.