BUDE faced their longest away day against Torbay with a strengthened squad comprised of both fresh faces and returnees which gave them renewed hope, but with more players still missing it was always going to be a tough ask.

But in the end despite an improved performance, the home side ran out 6-2 winners.

A fairly even opening 10 minutes that saw both sides create some half chances, Torbay got the early breakthrough as they forced the ball home after a scramble in the D.

They doubled their lead five minutes later when a poor decision to try and lift the ball out of defence into the gale force winds backfired and landed perfectly for the same striker who gratefully received the ball unmarked on the edge of the D and made no mistake with a hard, low shot.

The Cornishmen battled hard to get back into the contest and were duly rewarded when Damien Dee was on hand to slot the ball home after some nice early passing and movement.

Bude could not capitalise on the momentum shift despite a number of other chances that came their way and the Devonians battled back hard.

With the wind behind them they attacked with greater speed and accuracy as the Torbay striker completed his first half hat-trick with a breakaway goal to extend the lead to 3-1.

Bude regrouped and with the wind blowing in their favour, they knew that they could really trouble the hosts.

But despite a promising start, things just didn’t drop their way.

Torbay extended their lead, scoring two more field goals as the Bude legs tired after a tough first half.

But credit to the Cornishmen as they dug deep and rather than folding, they showed great spirit to never gave up.

They came close first with a shot that hit the post, and shortly after with a perfect penalty flick that was going right into the top corner, only to be matched by an outstanding stick save by the home keeper.

Bude were rewarded midway through the second half as Guy Beagley scored on his debut with a low and hard shot from the Seasiders’ first penalty corner routine, but it was Torbay who had the last say with a sixth goal not long afterwards to complete the scoring and earn all three points.

Robin Jennings and Luke Leverton shared the Bude award for player of the day as they led the way with excellent all-round performance, helping inspire those around them to keep battling.

Those qualities will be needed again next week as the tough games keep coming.

Bude welcome Exeter University Sixths with all three Seasiders teams in action at home for an exciting triple header as the newly-formed development team join the men’s and ladies teams with them all hunting for their first wins and points of the season.