South Wales Hockey League
Division 3
Castell Newydd Emlyn 3 Sue Noake 0
Castell Newydd Emlyn held strong to maintain their place at the top of the table, winning 3-0 against Sue Noake, another side which had yet to lose a game this season.
The home team knew what was at stake coming into their penultimate game this side of Christmas, one which was a ‘must-win’ if Emlyn were to stay at the top of the league table. An exciting game from the off and the hosts performance was a far-cry from last weekend when they were held to a draw.
At first, it seemed as if this would be another tough game for the Ceredigion ladies, with Sue Noake putting in a strong performance from the first whistle.
Forward, Enfys Davies, wasted no time giving the visiting backs the run-around, however, and was the first to beat the goalie to make it 1-0. Despite a strong effort from the Brecon side, Emlyn were relentless in their attack, and a superb second goal came from forward Beca Gatehouse which was well setup by centre-half, Mel Williams.
In the second half, the hosts defence showed their class as Sue Noake sought to make a comeback, holding off two short corners in quick succession. Led by Hannah Curran, whose impressive performance was integral to Emlyn’s clean scoresheet, backs Heledd-Mai Lloyd, Catrin Davies and replacement Jen Thomas, as well as reliable goalie Angharad Jenkins, who also had a stormer.
As the final whistle drew nearer, the red and blacks were presented with a chance to put the final nail in the coffin at a short corner and although it looked as if the home side had fluffed it, another brilliant cross and the cool head from Mel Williams saw the ball reach Amy Heighton on the back-post, who finished it off to make it 3-0.
This win makes Emlyn the only team in the league who are yet to experience a loss so far. The Ceredigion ladies will be hoping to make it a clean sweep before heading into the final half of the season, facing Gwernyfed at home this Saturday at 1pm in their last game before the New Year.
Division 2
Llandysul 4 Whitchurch Saints 4ths 2
League leaders Llandysul also kept up their impressive run with a well deserved victory over Whitchurch with none better than hat trick hero and player of the match Emma Jac Davies (pictured) who tucked away three very good goals. Ffion Davies was also on target.
Great pics by Julie John.
