Falmouth ladies hockey first XI secured six points from a tough weekend away that saw them overcome both Bretforton and Bristol University to maintain their place in the top three of Premier 2, despite travelling with a skeleton squad of 11 due to illness.

Bretforton 1 Falmouth 2 The visitors started slowly and tentatively in what became an increasingly physical encounter, making mistakes that saw Bretforton grow in confidence in the early part of the first half. Falmouth’s defence rose to the challenge however, working hard to close down the opposition and showing great physical strength and anticipation in thwarting some dangerous forays.

Goalkeeper and player of the match, Sam Bunyan was outstanding between the posts, organising and inspiring her defence and pulling off a series of energetic saves to keep the score line at 0-0. Hanna Royle was once again impressive at right back, with Jean Phillips, Danny Burnford and Sarah Hudson all pulling together to form an impenetrable defensive wall that frustrated Bretforton at every turn.

As the midfield and attack began to find their feet, Falmouth began to break down their Worcestershire counterparts, demonstrating patches of play that showed their true capabilities. Centre midfield, Fay Robinson put in an industrious performance, racing up and down the pitch to support both defence and attack, while on the forward line Vicky Rushton, Fi Rundle and captain Clare Hudson created some inspired moves to threaten the Bretforton defence, narrowly missing the target on several occasions. As the first half drew to a close, Falmouth clearly had the bit between their teeth, eventually winning a timely penalty corner that Clare Hudson dispatched ruthlessly to put the visitors ahead.

The second half grew in emotion and intensity with a frustrated Bretforton side starting to rile some of the Falmouth players. The mood was not helped when a hugely controversial – and harsh – penalty corner was awarded to the home team fifteen minutes into the second half, which they converted to achieve parity. But the visitors managed to channel their own determination not to leave without all three points, increasing their effort and work rate to take the game to Bretforton. The Falmouth attack almost got on the end of a couple of fine balls across the goalmouth from left midfield Clare Pledger, while a shot from Clare Hudson went agonisingly wide. Falmouth remained focused, piling the pressure on in the dying moments, at last securing a penalty corner with just two minutes remaining. The captain reverse flicked the ball into the corner to take the lead just seconds before the whistle blew, sounding a hard fought but deserved victory for Falmouth.

Bristol University 0 Falmouth 1 Slightly black and blue and jaded from the physical game the day before, Falmouth travelled on to Bristol University to be greeted by a saturated pitch that was borderline playable. Puddles littered the slow boggy surface, but both teams agreed to go ahead and the game eventually got underway.

In a re-run of the previous day’s performance, Falmouth were immediately under pressure from a fast, well-drilled Bristol University team, who mounted a series of aggressive attacks for the opening twenty minutes. Once again, the visitors defence proved equal to the onslaught, led by authoritative sweeper – and player of the match - Danny Burnford who showed strength, anticipation and composure on the ball, supported ably by Hanna Royle’s dogged determination and fearless tackling, as well as some gutsy running at defensive penalty corners.

Goalkeeper Sam Bunyan picked up where she left off the day before, pulling off one particularly breathtaking save, while Jean Phillips and Sarah Hudson were also excellent, persevering in the face of a seemingly endless offensive from the home team. Only in the final 10 minutes of the first half did Falmouth start to work the ball out of defence and gain ground, visibly growing in confidence and starting to reverse the flow of play. Fay Robinson once again put in a diligent display in centre midfield, bringing the attackers into the game and applying pressure to the, now, slightly agitated student side.

The second half saw Falmouth continue their momentum, creating some fine moves up front and forcing Bristol University to make mistakes and start to lose their composure. Skipper Clare Hudson worked well with fellow forwards, Vicky Rushton and Fi Rundle, who all hassled and worked hard to dispossess the defence and capitalise on their errors, eventually winning a free hit on the edge of the circle after fifteen minutes. Clare Hudson took a short one to right midfield Nicola Smith who slipped it straight back for the skipper to fire the ball into the roof of the net and take the lead against the home team, now reeling in disbelief.

It was backs to the wall as the visitors pulled together to prevent Bristol University bagging an equaliser, all running, tackling and closing down as if their lives depended on it.

The defence once again thwarted a couple of late counter-attacks, confidently winning the ball and distributing it to the midfield to mount further attacks, and Falmouth were unlucky not to sneak a second just seconds before the final whistle marked a second, hard fought victory.

A tired Falmouth team travelled back to Cornwall on Sunday evening knowing it was by no means the seamless, slick hockey they are capable of playing, but pleased with a spirited ‘never say die’ team performance.

Falmouth host Chippenham at home (Penair School, Truro) at 12.30pm on Saturday, January 24, 2009.

Team: S. Bunyan; H.Royle; J.Phillips; S.Hudson; D.Burnford; C.Pledger; F.Robinson; N.Smith; C.Hudson; F.Rundle; V.Rushton.