Women's 1st XI Vs Penzance

Caradon travelled to Penzance to play in a game in which one side would lose thier 100% record. Both teams knew what what was at stake and quality and pace was there from both teams right from the start. 

Caradon were determined to stick to thier hockey principles and play their passing style of hockey, and this brought its rewards when they opened the scoring within 6 minutes. A direct pass through the center of the pitch by defender Amy Batty, was met by Carrina Hodge who shifted it on again to goal hungry Bizzie Dinnis. The forward powered her shot past the desperate keeper to give the visitors the perfect start.

Mid way through the first half the lead was doubled when a Dinnis and Player of the match, Charlie Harris, combination saw Dinnis slide in at the far post to score in the far corner. Penzance were not prepared to give up thier winning run without a fight and continued to push forward. An unmarked player on the right was given space for the first time in the game and her cross was met by a waiting forward to grab a goal back.

Caradon were working hard to press the ball and definately had the majority of play. Caradon were enjoying themselves and with Beth Harris interupting any Penzance play, the midfielders were allowed more freedom to be creative. Penalty corners were awarded and despite a converted one being strangely disallowed, Clare Poad slammed one home just before the half time break to give them a 3-1 lead.

Penzance came out fighting in the second half, with a change in thier press tactics won the ball almost straight from the restart. A direct run towards the circle left keeper Heen Delbridge isolated and unfortunately her challenge was deemed to be illegal and a penaltyy flick awarded. This was despatched brilliantly and left Dellbridge no chance.

Caradon were a little stunned and soon the scores were level after a scramble in front of goal led to the ball crossing the line. The game was now evenly poised. Caradon continued to have most of possesion but were now not finding the spaces that were there in the first half. Penzance were patient in thier build up and grabbed what proved to be the winner with still ten minutes to play.

Caradon showed great character and continued to push forward, but Penzance defended well and prevented any shots towards goal.

In what was always going to be a tight game, both teams played some great hockey and both teams will now look forward to the return fixture, which even at this early stage, will be a title decider.