By Andy Davis

WEST HOCKEY LEAGUE MEN’S PIRAN DIVISION ONE

Tavistock 1 Bude 7

BROTHERS Henry and Charles Walker both scored hat-tricks as Bude eased to an opening day success at Tavistock.

With a short pre-season and no warm-up games, there was an air of nervousness in the visiting ranks, but this soon dispersed after the first whistle as they settled straight in and began to assert themselves with quick and decisive hockey.

This resulted in a penalty corner early on which was cooly converted by Charlie Falla, but they had a scare soon after as the home side earned a dubious penalty corner but Bude keeper Andy Davis outstretched his left foot to deny the striker.

After this it was one way traffic for the remainder of the first half as Henry Walker opened his account with a brace of goals from nice team movements and play.

Charles Walker then chipped in two more to make it 5-0 with the highlight being an excellent drag flick from a penalty corner.

Henry completed a first half hat-trick with another excellent goal that shows how much his play, skills and confidence have improved over the last year.

At half-time and with the game virtually sewn up Bude wanted to focus on their performance and style of play that they would need to rely on in tougher times, but they really stumbled and stuttered throughout.

A multitude of cards combined with too much chasing resulted in a very open end to end passage of play.

Tavistock scored first with a breakaway goal but it was just a consolation as man of the match keeper Davis then produced a fine string of saves to deny the hosts.

Charles Walker completed his hat-trick late on for 7-1.

Bude’s first home game is on Saturday against newly-promoted Devonport Services Seconds (2pm).