Falmouth 2 Redland 3

Falmouth 1sts were host to Redlands hockey team (Bristol) this weekend and again had four players absent from the side.

The effort and commitment for those who did play was exceptional and thoroughly deserved to at least come back with a draw. Player of the match Hanna Royle worked relentlessly in right midfield, finding winger Rachael Tatlow on a number of occasions to put the pressure on Redland’s defence.

A loose ball picked up by Clare Hudson was quickly delivered through the middle up to Vic Rushton and from there the forward line created a goal scoring opportunity. Tatlow finished the move with a smooth reverse strike past the goalkeeper for a 1-0 advantage. Redlands were quick to bounce back though and made it 1-1 with all to play for at half -ime.

It was Redlands who came out the stronger side after the break and created a second strike at goal making it 2-1. Falmouth never gave up hope despite the weakened squad and captain Hudson was determined to level the score. A fine power strike on a short corner saw the ball hit the backboard making it 2-2. However, Redland found the net again with an unfortunate bounce in the circle which went over keeper Grace Rudlin's head and out of reach. Amanda Wills, Amy Rawson and Philippa Eddy all made their debut for the first team on home territory and played with fight and determination in what became a fast and furious match. On Saturday Falmouth have a week off but are at home to Lydney on February 19, at Penair at 12noon Falmouth: Grace Rudlin, Terri Barbery-Redd, Amanda Wills, Hanna Royle, Kat Barbery-Redd, Philippa Eddy, Clare Hudson, Rachael Tatlow, Vic Rushton, Amy Rawson Bodmin 1 Falmouth II 2 It was all change again for the Falmouth side that travelled to Bodmin on Saturday. The first half went mostly with Falmouth, but despite some good passing work through the midfield, they were unable to score. This wasn't helped by the injury to player of the match Laura Percy, who had a 10 minute break on the sidelines after taking a nasty ball to the foot.

The second half again started with Falmouth having all the play, but still being unable to capitalise. Bodmin made a break thanks to a well-aimed pass through the Falmouth midfield and won a penalty corner which they converted with a shot just inside the glove-side post.

Falmouth picked up the pace and some lovely passing play from Hannah Whear and Gill Lister set Percy up for a goal. Falmouth's second was from a penalty corner, not their most clinical dispatch but effective nonetheless to give them the deserved win. On Saturday Falmouth ll have a break from league action with a friendly fixture at home to Newquay ll at Penair at 1.30pm Falmouth: June Moore, Becky Luke, Jess Lambert, Heather Walker, Sam Dunstan, Lori Kaack, Hannah Whear, Emma Venton, Gillian Lister, Amy Tatlow, Laura Percy.

Falmouth III 1 Mannamead III 1

Falmouth once again fielded a different third team line up as regular players were called up by the second team. However, the home side worked hard and had far more possession than the opposition and should have capitalised on their advantage. Player of the match, Emily Gusterson had some great runs down the right wing and crossed the ball to put the Mannamead defence under pressure but it was not until just before half-time that Kate Knott managed to slot the ball past the keeper to give Falmouth a deserved lead.

With only 5 minutes remaining the visitors levelled the score as the ball trickled across the goal line after a goalmouth scramble. Newcomer to senior hockey, Hannah Bowman had a solid game in goal and showed how much progress she has made this season by taking command of the circle and giving her team confidence in defence with her good clearances. Claire Rabey showed her outfield skills in defence after playing in goal for the last two matches while Lauren Islip also put in a strong performance. Bryony Eddy made a significant impact in her debut for the club. On Saturday, Falmouth lll play Truro ll in a rearranged league match at Penair at 12noon.

Falmouth: Hannah Bowman, Claire Rabey, Jeanette Coleman, Lauren Islip, Sonja Fox, Kate McMillan, Bryony Eddy, Millie Grant, Georgia Higgs, Maria Zuber, Kate Knott, Emily Gusterson.