This pulsating encounter between two teams in the top four of the divivsion finally finished all square which ultimately improves Caradon's chances of a top three finish. Caradon made a positive start putting pressure on the Penzance defence but through a quick breakaway the hosts took the lead. Caradon remained positive and through a quick break of their own the ball fell to William Turpin who worked the ball towards the penalty spot and on his reverse stick hit the ball high into the goal. Ben Hedley then put Caradon into the lead with a good finish just inside the left hand post. William Turpin played some clever hockey to force a short corner and David Lockett added to his collection of short corner goals to complete the turnaround in the space of 10 minutes. Penzance came back hard in the final ten minutes and they forced 10 short corner in a row but were unable to capitalise. The second half started in a more even fashion with neither side gaining the ascendency until the moment the change to nature of the game after 10 minutes. Penzance skipper drove the ball ino the D and forced a save out of keeper George Rowe and was stopped by a defender stand on the ball. A short corner was initially awarded but the other umpire intervened and both teams expected a 16 hit out to be awarded as the Penzance skipper has used his knee to control the ball as he drove into the D but to everyones surprise a flick was awarded which was duly dispatched. Caradon kept their heads but 5 minutes later Penzance found their equaliser when they finally utilised a short corner. Caradon continued to play decent hockey and when they forced their 3rd short corner Lockett was able to make it 2 out of 3 to restore the lead. With time running out it looked like Caradon may just close out the game but Penzance managed to force another short corner and with 3 minutes remaining equalised. With no further chances falling to either side the game finished as a draw which was probably a fair reflection on the balance of play. 13 year old George Rowe was named man of the match for a sterling display in goal and will soon be knocking on the first teams door if he carries on with his development. Neil Jones picked up the muppet award for almost losing the plot with the umpires and narrowly avoiding a meltdown!!
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