Launceston Cup

Bude  3   Stratton 2

This 'local derby' semi-final clash proved entertaining in a closely fought encounter.  Bude had the perfect start after 3 mins when the ball fell in the Stratton box, Gary Dinshaw shot and the Stratton keeper got down well to his right but let the ball spill underneath him and over the goal line.  After a number of missed opportunities, Bude doubled their lead when the ball was laid in to the path of midfielder Dan Balsdon who ran on past the Stratton defence one on one to slot past the keeper after 35 mins.  Both teams hit the post, with Tommy Statton hitting the woodwork for Bude.  Looking to go in at half time with a comfortable two goal cushion, Stratton had other ideas scoring right on half time, Matt Leverton put in a low cross come shot from the right, all defenders and strikers couldn't get a touch and the ball found it's way in to the far bottom corner of the net.  Stratton equalised on the hour when Leverton rose to head in a corner from close range.  Bude looked shaky as Stratton had their best period of the match.  Bude however took the lead again after 75 mins, a Jason Ferrett corner picked out Balsdon who grabbed his second with a glancing header.  Stratton pressed on in the final minutes but couldn't find the equaliser to take it into extra time.