CARADON’S ladies section had another busy weekend in the West Hockey League, while the newly-formed Over 35s team’s first outing in the England Hockey Over 35s Cup Trophy on Sunday ended in an emphatic victory.

The first team headed to ISCA in Exeter on Saturday in Division One South, but despite a determined defensive performance, were beaten 2-1.

With three midfielders unavailable, Caradon travelled with just 12 players but started positively against an ISCA side enjoying plenty of early possession.

The home side eventually took the lead following a goalmouth scramble, but Caradon responded impressively. Sadie Mullis threaded a superb pass through to Katie Oliver, who rounded the goalkeeper before unleashing a trademark tomahawk into the net.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Caradon’s disciplined defence repeatedly frustrating the Devonians. The hosts found a match-winning second goal, but Caradon finished strongly, creating their best attacking opportunities in the final quarter despite tiring legs. Helen Delbridge was named player-of-the-match for an outstanding goalkeeping display.

The thirds produced a determined performance against St Austell, narrowly losing 1-0 in a closely-contested match in Trelawney Division One. Both sides battled from the first whistle, sharing spells of possession through the midfield.

St Austell created a couple of chances, but Caradon’s defence stood firm to keep the score level at half-time.

After the break, the Liskeard-based outfit pressed high and created several opportunities. Charlotte Tamblyn and Daisy Wrigley came closest, only to be denied by an impressive goalkeeper and resolute defence.

St Austell eventually broke the deadlock, converting a rebound. Caradon responded strongly, with Leah Jones seeing a lofted effort saved. A final-minute short corner offered one last chance, but the Saints cleared off the line. Despite the defeat, Caradon can take plenty of positives from an excellent team performance.

Caradon Fourths faced a tough away fixture against Bude’s first team in challenging, wet conditions, coming up against a young, well-drilled side. Bude started strongly, exploiting overloads to score several quick goals, with the majority of their goals coming before half-time.

Caradon regrouped at the break and produced a much-improved second-half performance. Marking tightened, passing became sharper and the team’s fitness and determination helped keep Bude at bay.

Despite the final 10-0 scoreline, Caradon showed significant progress from their previous 16-0 defeat. The team created several attacking opportunities, with some excellent quick passing and determined runs into Bude’s half.

Player-of-the-match Cally Bowers made countless saves and clearances to keep her team going, while Caradon’s never-say-die attitude provided plenty of positives to build on.

On Sunday the Over 35s enjoyed a fantastic day, securing a convincing 5-0 victory over their visiting Ocean City counterparts at Lux Park.

After a lively warm-up, Caradon started strongly, creating plenty of early chances and taking the lead within 10 minutes through a powerful strike from Clare Poad.

Despite having plenty of energy from the substitutes, the first half lacked the calm, controlled passing the team had hoped for.

The second half saw Caradon settle into their rhythm, creating numerous chances and eventually finding the breakthrough. Laura Hill scored twice, assisted by Poad and Helen Manley, before Rach Luiten added a powerful fourth.

Player-of-the-match Hill then completed her hat-trick with a clinical finish. It was the first of three guaranteed group games for Caradon who have put themselves in a promising position to push towards the knockout rounds.