Women's 2nd XI Vs Caradon Ladies 3s

Caradon 2s faced Caradon 3s in the first game at Lux Park on Saturday. Playing against one of your own teams is always a tricky fixture, but with side support for both teams it would prove to be entertaining at least.

An early pushback and a 3s side with no pressure seemed to be a problem for the 2s who clearly weren't awake for the first half. The 3s took the lead through an easy goal, normally this would have kick started the 2s but it took them being 2-0 down to get going.

Birthday girl Katie Fear got into the D and took a strike at her first chance and the 2s were on the comeback trail. Returning striker Vanessa Scott also got back amongst the goals as her hit was willed over the line by the team and eventually crossed much to the relief of the home team as the scores were levelled.

With multiple short corner opportunities but routines not getting past the 3s strong defence and keeper, 2s forwards were becoming frustrated. The frustration went deeper when a short corner at the other end resulted in another goal for the 3s as they took the lead into the break.

A solid half time talk by captain Claire Brown was positive and the team knew what they had to do. All guns blazing, they came out looking for action and it was Katie Fear again on the sheet bringing the scoreline to 3 each.

A change along the midfield and forward line to rest tired legs pushed Helen Manley upfront who jumped on a defender's mistake and hit the backboard with her push past the keeper. By this point the 2s had finally found their groove and the flowing hockey they had played the previous week. Goal of the day, possibly of the season so far, was scored by Player of the Match Neve Hunn who struck the ball so hard it rocketed past the keeper's outstretched arm to a stunned silence followed by applause from both sides and supporters.

With a few minutes to go, they continued to pile on the pressure wanting more goals and got the last one of the day when a long pass goalwards found Natalie Ridgers on the post to touch in, making the final score 6-3.

Caradon 2s can be happy and thankful they got themselves back into a game in which the scoreline does not show the effort and determination put in by the 3s. The 2s will need to be game ready from the off next week as they face OPM in what was a feisty fixture at the start of the season.