BUDE missed the chance to take advantage of their promotion rivals’ dropping points on Saturday in Men’s Piran Division One of the West Hockey League as they were soundly beaten 6-2 at Ocean City Seconds.

The Plymouth outfit got off to a perfect start with two early field goals before Bude really got going; once they did they started to create some excellent chances, but the home goal was leading a charmed life and this period proved pivotal as the Cornishmen were unable to make it count when in the ascendency.

Ocean City survived through until the break and then after half-time the contest became somewhat niggly and scrappy which seemed to suit the hosts who soon added three more.

The Seasiders’ managed to drag themselves out of the quagmire to finish the game strongly with two well-worked penalty corners from a Matthew Horton strike and a Charlie Falla drag flick, but with the final touch of the ball the Devonians scored to make it 6-2.

They are now level with Bude in the league standings which now sees five of the eight teams all within two points of each other at the top of the table heading into the final four games before Christmas.

Bude Seconds welcomed their Duchy counterparts who arrived top off the Piran Division Three table, and they showed why in a 6-0 victory.

The home side started well with improved passing and had a succession of penalty corners which ultimately came to nothing, and once the visitors scored they were only denied several more by the outstanding efforts of keeper Ally Stevenson.

Duchy were 2-0 up at half-time and added four more after the break to underline their promotion credentials.

For the Seasiders’, there were plenty of positives to take heading into some games against sides around them in standings.