Men's 2nd XI Vs ECV Hornets A [League]

Chris Pearce Hat-Trick Rescues Duchy

Chris Pearce scored a hat-trick as Duchy A put in a gritty performance to recover a 3-0 deficit against ECV Hornets and sustain their unbeaten league run.

In their first home match of the season, Duchy were - typically - slow to get into their stride and were put to the sword early on by a ruthless Hornets attack which notched up three goals in the first 13 minutes to leave Duchy staring down the barrel of a humbling defeat

With the hosts reeling, Hornets looked for a fourth goal which would have killed off the tie, however Duchy managed some semblance of a recovery and steadied the ship with improved passing and greater possession and, whilst doing nothing to reduce the arrears, made it to half time without further damage.

The break allowed Duchy to consolidate and despite being three goals down for the first time in over 18 months, the hosts went into the second half with an optimism which grew significantly when Chris Pearce picked up on a cross from Richard Swann to sweep home for 3-1.  Sensing blood, Duchy continued to press, although faced stiff opposition from the Hornets defence and 'keeper; and it took until four minutes before the hour mark for Duchy to claim their second with Stu Richardson reverse-sweeping to Pearce who smashed home from the top of the circle for 3-2.

With the second goal, all momentum swung in favour of the hosts, with Hornets unable to re-capture their first half intensity which had caused Duchy so many problems; and the situation became one of when, not if, the hosts would level the match. With eight minutes remaining a combination of fortune and quality provided the equaliser - Duchy were awarded a somewhat controversial penalty corner which Pearce duly buried for 3-3 and his hat-trick, whch set up a tense finish to the match. 

Neither side could claim a winner and both teams ended the match somewhat dissapointed at not having taken more from the fixture.

Man of the Match was awarded to Chris Pearce.  

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Duchy A | 3 | Chris Pearce 44f, 57f, 61pc

ECV Hornets | 3 | George Hawkins 4f, 9f; Andy Bower 13pc