Following a long trip away last weekend, Falmouth returned to their home pitch for this week’s league match, where they faced Bath Buccs, a team with many Bath University hockey players.

It was evident that the away team would be strong, with their squad of 15 players and a number of young, fit players.

As expected, a strong start gave Bath an early 1-0 lead, following some cleverly executed passes amongst the skilful players. However, the score line changed quickly as Falmouth equalised from a penalty corner, pushed around the goalkeeper by Victoria Pryor.

The equaliser gave Falmouth some confidence and as they settled into the game, a second goal was scored by Rachael Tatlow, using her speed to beat the Bath defence and goalkeeper. Bath soon equalised to give a 2-2 scoreline but Falmouth put the pressure on and worked hard to take the lead again.

A third Falmouth goal was scored by Fay Robinson, using her speed and accurate ball control to beat two defenders and slot a powerful shot passed the Bath goalkeeper. Falmouth’s fourth goal was scored from another penalty corner, with a strong accurate strike from Falmouth’s top striker and player-of- the-match, Clare Hudson.

A frustrated Bath continued to try and fight back, but some strong defending from Mandy Langdon and Phillipa Eddy secured Falmouth's lead.

Falmouth increased their lead further when a strong cross from Victoria Pryor to Rachael Tatlow, who was comfortably positioned to strike the ball accurately passed the Bath goalkeeper for the second time of the game. Bath scored the final goal of the first half bringing the game to 5-3 at half time.

The second half proved to be extremely hard work for Falmouth, as they were left with only ten players following an injury just before half time to right winger Rachael Tatlow. Falmouth fought hard to retain their lead and were able to recruit India Rogers from the third team to bring them up to 11 players, but as the second half unfolded and Falmouth began to tire, Bath were able to pull back two goals, both scored from penalty corners. Both teams worked hard to try and score the winning goal, with some excellent team work from both sides leading to some end-to-end hockey, but the final score remained 5-5.

Falmouth: Sam Bunyan, Mandy Langdon, Phoebe Moon, Philippa Eddy, Kat Barbery-Redd, Fay Robinson, Clare Hudson, Hannah Whear, Vic Pryor, Rachael Tatlow, Fee Rundle, India Rogers