Crowds turned up at the Penair School astro-turf pitch on Sunday, as Falmouth faced local rivals Newquay in a West, Premier 2 league match.

The match did not disappoint the crowd, with some great hockey played by both teams, as they tried their best to perform well for the local support. Falmouth started strongly and showed why they are currently top of the table, with some accurate passing and fast, skilful ball work forcing their way through the Newquay defence. Despite some impressive hockey, the Newquay defence remained solid and with some carefully timed tackles were able to gain possession back from Falmouth and push forward with impressive speed from the wings. The possession constantly changed, as both teams fought eagerly to score a goal. Some great saves were made by Falmouth goal keeper Sam Bunyan, ensuring that the scoreline remained 0-0 as the half time whistle was blown.

The match continued to be goalless as the second half unfolded, due to the equal performance by both teams. Some great defending by Mandy Langdon and Danny Burnford ensured that Newquay were unable to score. Falmouth were the team who finally managed to gain a lead, as centre forward Nicola Smith provided a strong, accurate strike across the goal and into the bottom corner past the Newquay goal keeper on a penalty corner strike.

As the match became more tense, some desperate tackles were made by both teams and as a result, warnings were given to both teams by the umpires.

Falmouth remained 1-0 up well into the second half, but an equalising goal was eventually scored by Newquay. Falmouth continued to work hard to score again but despite some strong attempts at scoring a goal from Victoria Pryor and Clare Hudson, Falmouth were unable to convert any opportunities that arose. Despite the earlier warning, a controversial sending off left Falmouth with ten players, giving Newquay the advantage to equalise. However, the advantage was short-lived, as a second sending off was given, this time to a Newquay player.

With less than 10 minutes to go, a second goal was scored by Newquay, taking them to a 2-1 lead. Falmouth remained persistent, but as a number of shots were struck wide of the goal, they were unable to equalise. As the end of the game approached, Newquay scored an impressive third goal, leaving a disheartened Falmouth with a 3-1 defeat.

Falmouth: Sam Bunyan, Mandy Langdon, Danny Burnford, Philippa Eddy, Hanna Royle, Kat Barbery-Redd, Fay Robinson, Clare Hudson, Hannah Whear, Vic Pryor, Nicola Smith

For the rest of the Falmouth Hockey Club reports pick up a copy of this week's Packet.