ST AUSTELL 7

FALMOUTH LADIES 1ST XI 2

SOUTH Division league champions Falmouth travelled to Bodmin aware that their Cornwall Cup final meeting with St Austell, who play two leagues above the level Falmouth will compete at next season, would be a tough one.

St Austell finished seventh in the National South Division this season and boast a number of talented players, including a number of members of the Kernow Saints, current national veteran's champions.

Falmouth's had a shaky start which saw their opponents pounce on a number of loose balls and convert three early goals with just 15 minutes gone. But it was almost as if the blows settled the team, as they lifted their heads, braced themselves and knuckled down to demonstrate some of the impressive form they have shown this season.

After some fine play from defensive stalwart Danielle Burnford, midfielder Sarah Hudson found forward Nicola Smith with a quick ball for Smith to turn away from her marker and fire home the team's opening goal.

Visibly lifted, Falmouth came alive, knitting together some incisive attacking moves with skipper Clare Hudson providing the impetus in the middle of the pitch and Verena "Weenie" Sambel and quick right winger, Rachael Tatlow, worrying the St Austell defence and winning a number of penalty corners.

With 20 minutes played, Smith stopped a penalty corner and struck it hard at goal for the ball to fly off a defender's stick and into the roof of the net to make the score 3-2.

Suddenly the mood shifted and, to the delight of an animated 50-strong crowd, the game was ignited as both teams fought passionately for the next goal.

Falmouth had the momentum and were unlucky not to convert again as Clare Hudson shot just over the bar and the 'keeper made a number of quick-footed saves.

St Austell scored an impressive fourth goal just before the interval and opened the second half with a fifth as Falmouth's tired legs began to feel the strain.

But the underdogs didn't give up. In defence, goalkeeper, June Moore made life difficult for the St Austell attackers, pulling off a number of important saves, while Megan Cookson and Michelle Hares toiled hard to make their opponents sweat for each goal, and Fay Robinson and Hannah Royle worked ceaselessly in midfield.

Falmouth continued playing attacking hockey and Clare Hudson was thwarted once more as her thunderbolt shot rattled the post, while Smith narrowly missed out on her hat-trick when she collided with the goalkeeper to watch helplessly as the ball was kicked clear.

As Falmouth pushed up the pitch in an effort to salvage something, St Austell were happy to exploit the space, moving the ball around quickly and smoothly to score two more fine goals and take the game out of Falmouth's reach.

Incisive running from forward Fi Rundle led to a number of penetrating through balls with Tatlow having an effort cleared off the line in the dying moments.

The champions may have lost the Cornwall Cup, but their spirited performance was a victory in itself and offers much hope for next season's challenge in Premier 2.

Falmouth: June Moore, Mandy Langdon, Michelle Hares, Megan Cookson, Sarah Hudson, Danielle Burnford, Hanna Royle, Clare Fraser, Fay Robinson, Nicola Smith, Fi Rundle, Verena Sanbel, Tamsin Ryall, Rachael Tatlow (Jean Phillips was unavailable).