Mark Jenkin

THE IRON grip of Boca Seniors on the Westward Ho! Cup was finally ended by Bude Town on Sunday.

Winners for the last three years, Boca lost their hold on the 100-year-old trophy after a persistent display from the Cornishmen at Mill Road.

Giles Daniel's early strike looked set to give the holders another triumph in the centenary year.

But Jason Ferrett equalised from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, then Dan Middleton and Billy Hopcroft scored in extra time, giving the Seasiders a 3-1 victory.

Not since 1967, when skipper Terry Rickard lifted the cup after a 3-1 win over North Molton, had the silverware gone back to Broadclose.

On a day when the gusty wind and bumpy surface made slick football difficult, it was no surprise when the opening goal came from a set piece.

A corner from Richie Joslin was helped on by James Galliford and Daniel bundled home at the far post.

After that, two well-drilled defences remained firmly in charge and goalkeepers Josh Colwill and Darren Babb were never seriously troubled.

The one player likely to provide spark in the final third was Hopcroft.

And with five minutes to go, his pace and trickery turned the tie.

Taro Bishop was penalised for a hasty challenge on the striker and Ferrett coolly tucked the spot kick past Babb.

Re-energised for extra time, the East Cornwall premier division side always looked the more likely winners.

In the final minute of the first period, Hopcroft scampered on to a pass from Steve Box, setting up Middleton to make it 2-1.

Boca's best chance fell to Jake Crush, but after swivelling on to his left foot, the substitute's effort was blocked by Colwill.

In previous years, the cup has provided the icing on the cake for Boca, with other honours already secured.

This time, however, their familiar flair was missing and the holders saw their proud run ended. As gaps appeared in defence, Hopcroft turned in a pass from Ferrett, only to see his effort ruled out for offside.

The respite did not last long and another trip on Hopcroft, this time by Kurt Bayliss, gave the forward the chance to claim a deserved goal.

He took the penalty duties from Ferrett to cap a fine fightback from Bude.

Their run started with a comfortable win over Northside Atlantic and featured victories against Braunton, Barnstaple Town and Barnstaple AAC.

Dan Starkey impressed at both ends as he won the man of the match award.

Forming a solid partnership with the dependable Wayne Cornish in defence, he later joined Hopcroft in attack as Bude chased the game.

Boca Seniors: Darren Babb, Taro Bishop, Richie Joslin (Kurt Bayliss 33), Shaun Ley, Lewis Ovey, Luke Alcock, Liam Monsell, James Galliford, Giles Daniel, Jordan Charran, James Davey (Jake Crush 80). Subs not used: Joe Rogers, Daniel Found.

Bude Town: Josh Colwill, Adam Goodgroves, Luke Potter, Wayne Cornish, Dan Starkey, Antony Giordani, Jason Ferrett, Steve Box (Steve Hackett 118), Robbie Pearce (Dan Middleton 57), Billy Hopcroft, John Clayton (Ian Marks 65). Subs not used: Tommy Statton, Josh Allen.

Referee: Frank Biederman. Assistants: Paul Furse, Ian Gilmour.