The Team BC Hockey teams experienced a mixed start to the 2015/16 campaign with tough home fixtures against Truro.
The mens side, with five new debutants appearing in a challenging encounter that would turn into a perfect test to get the season up and running. With Sean Hedaux being named Team BC Captain for the coming season, it was his side that would start under pressure. Team BC were thankful to goalkeeper Bayley Chatwin for a top opening display with a string of excellent saves including a fine penalty flick stopped to keep the early score level at 0 – 0.
Team BC settled into the game and started to turn the screw on their visitors taking the lead with a well crafted goal. The goal came from some excellent play between Liam Pigden and Billy Vickery before Sam Beasley found Connor Gillespie on the back post for a deflection to take the lead.
The match continued to go Team BC’s way with Liam Pigden scoring his first of the afternoon, but just before the break Truro scored to put pressure on the hosts with a simple finish past the Team BC defence.
With the score at 2 – 1 to Team BC at the start of the second half, the midfield made up of Hedaux, Vickery, Parkinson and Beasley, continued to work tirelessly throughout the match. Team BC also had a change of personnel with Brad Palmer in-between the sticks who also made some fine saves stopping many counter attacks from an under pressure Truro side who looked unlikely in finding a way back into the match with Levi Hembrow and Leo Willis helping out in defence.
The later stages of the game became more physical, with Truro reduced to 10 men on three occasions. Team BC made the most of this and capitalised on the visitor’s mistakes by scoring two more goals. Both goals came from man of the match Liam Pigden, who completed his hat-trick, with Bayley Chatwin now outfield, getting an assist. However there was time for Truro to score a late consolation goal and the final score was 4 – 2 to Team BC.
The womens Team BC side suffered a more frustrating afternoon in their first game of the season to a strong Truro side. With a successful trials taking place in the weeks before, the 14 Team BC players conceded to two early first half goals, although Team BC were quick to reply with one of their own coming from Lauren Poole. Truro extended their lead before the half time break.
Led by Captain Kat Male, Team BC continued to pick away at the Truro side working tirelessly across the field but could not stop the Truro scoring three more second half goals. Yet the spirits remained high and Team BC fought to the final whistle.
Sheila Burridge, Team BC Hockey coach said,
“We have lots to work on and develop at training over the next few weeks, hopefully the more the team plays together the more each individual will grow in confidence and ability.”
Next week (23rd September) the teams face an away fixture at Strode College.
