1st Team Vs Tavistock

North Devon have moved to second in Verde Recreo Southern 1 Hockey League after an extremely bad tempered and disjoined victory over Tavistock on Saturday. Changing availability meant that North Devon gave a debut to youngster Ed Broggio up front, and the first few minutes North Devon were again slow to settle despite little threat from the opposition. This soon changed with Tavistock earning a penalty corner and were lucky with the bounce of the ball and scoring. However, this was the final time they were ahead as North Devon bounced back quickly with a drilled finish into the bottom corner from Jay Corden, and a fine strike across goal by Guy Cockcroft.

It was at this point that Tavistock started to incur the wrath of the umpires, with two players being sin-binned within a matter of minutes. Tempers frayed further when initially a penalty corner was awarded to North Devon, for the umpire at the other end to advise it to be upgraded to a penalty stroke, which Cockcroft duly converted.

Half-time came and went and Tavistock replied with another fortunate goal, but again North Devon responded via Corden from a penalty corner. Tavistock’s composure left them with one of their substitutes earning a yellow card from the bench, and further players were sin-binned for dissent. To cap it all off, Tavistock had a player red carded for violent conduct, by which time Cockcroft had completed his hattrick and Broggio scored a debut goal.

All in all a deserved victory for North Devon but marred by the discipline issues. Man of the match was shared between Cockcroft for his three goals, and John Card for his excellent defensive midfield work. Next week North Devon face second bottom PGSOB A at Park School at 1.30pm where they will aim to continue this rich run of form.