WEST HOCKEY LEAGUE WOMEN’S TRELAWNEY DIVISION ONE

Bude 0 University of Plymouth Seconds 0

THE Seasiders backed up their superb fightback at Newquay by holding high-flying University of Plymouth Seconds to a goalless draw at the Budehaven Sports Centre.

Bude played their part in a fine contest which saw both goalkeepers busy.

Bude’s defence of Willow Du Plessis, Naomi Hatcher, Clare Westaway had to be alert early in the stages, including Du Plessis making a crucial stop on the right post and firing the ball onto a Plymouth foot for a Bude sixteen.

Bude had their first short corner which ended with Naomi Hatcher’s rocket going narrowly wide of the post, before Evelyn Varcoe also had an effort blocked and Briony Varcoe a rasping drive saved.

The second half started with both defences on top, including a fine tackle from home right-back Emily Smart.

After relentless long corner attacks from the uni, Bude goalkeeper Jo Timmins made a cracking save with her chest, leaving Clare Westaway to fire the ball downfield to player of the match Phoebe Gannon. Phoebe ran through Plymouth’s players with ease at lightening speed and drove all the way into the D before slipping the ball to the back post for forward Chloe Hall to deflect, yet her shot narrowly missed the goal.

EJ Biggadike also saw an effort saved as Bude looked dangerous on the counter.

In the final five minutes with Bude under intense pressure, they were indebted to a superb save from Jo Timmins as she deflected a shot from the D away from goal.

This led to the final phase of play for Bude with Mia Flynn driving the ball swiftly down the right wing, and along the baseline where it was tackled away and Bude awarded a long corner.

Bude’s final attempt at a goal was short-lived with Plymouth’s defence swarming the D, cutting off any chance at a last minute goal as they were forced to settle for a point in an exhilarating game.

The Seasiders have this weekend off due to the half-term break, and are next in action on Saturday, March 1 when they make the relatively short trip to Okehampton.