ASHMOOR men's 1st XI resumed their England Hockey League campaign after a thorough pre-season with a thrilling 3-3 draw against Cardiff & Met in the Welsh capital.

Ashmoor fielded four debutants and despite some experienced absentees, the six teenagers in the side performed superbly throughout the match. Ashmoor started brightly and had open play and penalty corner chances but couldn’t convert them into goals.

They were punished when Cardiff buried one of their few chances early in the second quarter. The game was then a more even affair, with some chances for both teams. Cardiff forced the ball into a striker in a good position, and with no pressure on the ball he was able to make it 2-0 to the home side.

The visitors needed a big last quarter effort and the whole squad responded superbly to Jack Dinnie's call.

A strong press led by youngster Spencer Baxter caused Cardiff to make errors. When Euan Jones fired in a left wing cross and Rich Fisher deflected home the comeback was on. Minutes later Baxter was rewarded on his debut with a super strike to make it 2-2.

However, Ashmoor were caught out in defence and from a resulting penalty corner the shot was cruelly deflected past Jasper Bubb, another debutant.

Ashmoor weren’t finished and showed great resilience to come back again. Tom Barnett earned a penalty corner at the other end, and Fisher got his second of the match to make the final score 3-3; a great game for the neutrals!

Theo Bennett, fresh from representing England at the UK School Games, had an assured match for Ashmoor in the heart of defence, but the Pallex Player of the Match award went to two goal hero Rich Fisher.

This Sunday, Ashmoor have a mouth-watering first home match against relegated Havant. The game is free-to-see at 1pm at the Keviccs Astro, Totnes. All support welcome.