FALMOUTH LADIES 1st XI 5

Morgarrows 0

After a shaky start, league leaders Falmouth got into their stride, piling the pressure on to mid-table Morgarrows with some inventive, persistent hockey.

Left wing and player of the match, Nicola Smith, opened the scoring following some fine play from centre forward, Fi Rundle, before right wing and birthday girl, Rachael Tatlow, found the back of the net to make it 2-0.

The visitors worked hard to get back into the game, but some impressive defensive play from Megan Cookson on the left and an ailing Danielle Burnford in the centre kept Morgarrows at bay.

Right defence, Michelle Hares, toiled hard to support midfield, while Hannah Royle turned in another inspired performance, diligently working the right flank to both create attacks and bolster the defence. Some perceptive interplay between Royle and Tatlow resulted in Smith outwitting the visiting goalkeeper on the line to slot home a third shortly before half-time.

Falmouth maintained the tempo after the interval, taking the game to the visitors and linking well to subject Morgarrows to a barrage of attacks. Tenacious play from Rundle, skipper Clare Hudson at centre midfield, and Fay Robinson on the left saw the home team win a clutch of short corners which they narrowly failed to convert.

Tatlow finally drilled a fourth home mid-way through the second half, and Smith pounced on a clearance from the goalkeeper to volley a fifth against the backboard, completing her hat trick and sealing a resounding victory.

Falmouth remain one point clear at the top of the table.