BUDE were relegated straight back to Piran Division One following a final day defeat in Plymouth.

The Seasiders made the trip above the trap door, but knew that defeat coupled with results going against them elsewhere could prove crucial, and so it proved.

Bude arrived with a full complement of players, but soon found themselves a goal down.

However, the Cornishmen did not panic and tried to impose themselves on the game but struggled to find any cohesion, rhythm or sustained pressure to disrupt Devonport who looked strong and were working like a well-oiled machine. Lady luck was not on Bude’s side as the Devonians eased themselves into a 2-0 lead as a hopeful cross was deflected high into the corner of the net from an almost impossible angle.

The substitutions rolled on for Bude, but instead of having a positive impact, the changes and disruptions hampered them and created further challenges.

That said, Bude stuck to the task and after a few close calls eventually got into the Devonport half and a great finish by their man-of-the-match Henry Gwynn-Thomas pulled a goal back.

This renewed hope and joy was desperately short-lived as Bude pushed for an equaliser a quick counter attack allowed Devonport a way back in and with a menacing front line they swiftly scored twice before the break to open up a 4-1 cushion.

Bude looked to counter-attack after the break, and although it helped them initially in a defensive sense, going forwatd they failed to make any headway against a home backline that picked them off at will.

Eventually the Services added more goals in the third quarter, leaving the visitors needing help from elsewhere.

Bude’s spirit was not completely broken as they fought valiantly to the end, gaining a penalty stoke for a deliberate foul on the goal line; Robbie Scragg calmly took the honours and dispatched the ball mid height to the keepers right to get a consolation goal.

Devonport switched back on from the restart and crushed the remaining joy from Bude as they finished strong with further goals from open play to give them a convincing 8-2 win.

With results elsewhere across the South West going against them, a dejected Bude trudged off the pitch rueing missed opportunities earlier on in the season that ultimately left them with this uphill survival battle which they narrowly missed out on.

All is not lost as the newly formed men’s development team showed real promise this season plus both the men’s and ladies teams still have the Cornwall Plate competition to play for.

On top of that, a stellar international line-up of high-class coaches and players from Holcombe Hockey Club, a top tier National League outfit, are heading to Bude for a two-day masterclass weekend, meaning the season is still going to finish with a bang.

For Bude, they will look to regroup over the summer and target a second promotion in three years in the 2026/27 campaign.