Women's 1st XI Vs Devonport Services

Caradon retuned to league action after a very long wait and did not disappoint with a comfortable 2-1 win over Devonport Services.

Caradon started strongly and put constant pressure on the Devonport's goal. Penalty corners were coming thick and fast. Bizzie Dinnis had a great reverse strike goal disallowed after it being judged to be too high even though the ball crashed the middle of he backboards. Despite this, Caradon continued to attack in all areas of the pitch and soon took the lead when captain, Clare Poad, made no mistake from a penalty corner when her strike found the bottom right hand corner.

Claire Mitchell on her debut for the first team, linked well with Carina Hodge and between them created numerous chances for the hungry forwards. Saffie Cripps and Sadie Mullis were finding plenty of space on the wings but as the half time whistle came the cornish team could not increase thier lead.

Caradon lost 2 defenders at the break due to injuries so had to adjust the team with midfielders now having to play defensive roles. You would think this would have unsettled the team but they continued to play some great passing hockey and were eventually rewarded with the goal they had been looking for. Cripps and Mitchell combined well to find space on the left and Dinnis weaved her magic in the circle leaving Mullis to tap home from close range.

With the cushion of a two goal lead Caradon were playing a controlled possession game with Player of the match, Beth Harris bossing the middle of he park. The defence were rarely challenged but despite stand in defender Katie Jones, Fleur Worden and Julia Eldridges best efforts, a bouncy shot at goal managed to cross the line to deny Caradon of their clean sheet.

A great team display with players having to play out of position shows how mature this team has become. Talent, confidence and maturity are good team characteristics that should see this team do well in whatever kind of season remains.