Bath Uni 19-18 Newquay HC, match report Sat 19th October

Newquay Team:

GK – Geoff Muskett

LB – Lee Springett

CB – Jürgen Koenen

RB – Tristan Mullar-Foster

LW – Eddie Percy-Highes

RW – Paul Beasley

C – Kevin Welsh

Newquay fought like a team who had been playing for years against the reigning South and West League champions, Bath University. A highly competitive and close game ensued with both teams giving everything to get a positive result for the season opener.

In the first half tight defences and big saves from both goalkeepers kept the scoreline low, with Newquay edging ahead with an explosive break from Eddie Percy-Hughes converting in style just milliseconds before the half time klaxon. 9-8 Newquay.

Second half was a similar pattern with both teams fighting hard and Newquay’s inspirational player-coach Jürgen Koenen continually causing panic in the Bath defence. In form goalkeeper Geoff Muskett kept Bath at arms length, while magnificent finishing from Kevin Welsh meant Newquay could smell victory.

Newquay’s solid defence continued, lead by Koenen and Mullar-Foster, couple that with goals from Springett and Beasley and Newquay found themselves with a two goal advantage. However Bath managed to get back in contention, fighting back to 18-18.

It all came down to the final two minutes where tensions were sky high. Bath intercepted a ball on the edge of the Newquay 6m line, with the goalkeeper out of position he infringed on the Bath centre player resulting in a two minute suspension. Meaning the end of the game for Geoff Muskett and a crucial Bath penalty; dually converted to give Bath a lead with only 1minute 22 seconds on the clock.

As Newquay pressed forward in the final seconds, defensive rock Tristan Mullar-Fosters game also came to and end as he was judged to have fouled. Now depleted, Newquay pushed but could not find the equaliser as Bath held out for a one goal victory.

After Newquay get over the disappointment of the manner of the defeat, they can take massive positives away. It was a true David vs Goliath encounter with Newquay expected to be turned over by the experienced Bath outfit. In reality Newquay were infront for the majority of the game, and with some key players due to return to the squad prospects for the season are extremely encouraging.