Men's 2nd XI Vs Torbay A [League]

Duchy retain top spot after Torbay rout

A fine second half performance saw Duchy remain top of South West 1 after thumping Torbay 8-1 at Pool. 

Despite a below-par opening quater, Duchy took the lead after only seven minutes when Neil Bradford reacted quickest to a loose ball in the Torbay circle to sweep home for 1-0.  Torbay reacted well and had their best spell of the match, drawing a brilliant double save from Kevin Welsh from a penalty corner to keep the lead intact, however Duchy always remained a threat and ten minutes before the break went 2-0 ahead thanks to quick thinking from Jeremy Wall who took swift free hit and crossed for Churchill to sweep home. 

The second goal seemed to deflate the visitors and when Duchy struck again just before the break - Churchill flicking home a delightful second - the pattern for the rest of the match was set. 

After the interval Duchy were a class apart from their oponents, moving the ball quickly and retaining possesion to good effect. Within five minutes of the restart the lead had been extended to 4-0, when Lee Selby broke clear of the Torbay defence and slid the ball under the advancing 'keeper; and the next attack saw Duchy awarded a penalty corner which Tom Elliott put away at the second attempt for five. 

Three minutes later and the home side had hit the half-dozen, when Max Chippett drove into the circle before selflessly passing to Martin Crump to sweep into an empty net for 6-0, with Crump claiming his 150th Duchy goal in the process. The Torbay goal continued to remain under threat, however it took Duchy until almost the hour mark to strike again; with a quickfire double to take the lead to 8-0 - Elliott blasting home a penalty corner, and Crump sweeping in a cross from Martyn Head. 

The only blemish for Duchy came in the run up to full time when Torbay counter attacked from at penalty corner, and broke the length of the pitch with Chris Dickson grabbing a consolation and taking the final score to 8-1.

Duchy continue their sesaon with an away match to local rivals, Truro, next week. 

Man of the Match was awarded to Jeremy Wall

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Duchy A | Neil Bradford 7f; Justin Churchill 25f, 32f; Lee Selby 39f; Tom Elliott 43pc, 56pc; Martin Crump 46f, 57f

Torbay A | Chris Dickson 61f