South Wales Hockey League
Division 1
Llandysul 1 Kington 2
Llandysul experienced their first defeat of the season when they were edged out by quality opponents but they could have sneaked the verdict as they hit the woodwork on three occasions.
The Ceredigion ladies knew they were in for a tough battle against a team from east Powys who only a few week ago fired seven goals past Abergavenny in a pre season game -and so it proved with end to end action from the off, although scoring opportunities were at a premium with the defences on top.
The match as expected was very competitive with both teams playing hockey of a very high standard and especially in midfield with Emma Jac Davies and Rhiannon Farr working really hard for Llandysul with support from Ffion Davies and Mererid Jones. Both teams were pressing to find a way through and there were very few clear cut chances but it was a great game for the many supporters who came to watch.
The hosts pressurised the Kington defence for long periods but they were very experienced and managed to get players behind the ball making it difficult for the Llandysul attack to find a way through. A few rare chances did arise but the Kington defence and goalkeeper worked well as a unit to keep the Teifi valley ladies out.
At the other end the home defence was also tested but Kelly Davies, Gwenan Evans and Elen Williams worked hard to keep them out but a goal finally arrived when the opposition broke through and scored the match opener, and one which was a great individual goal.
Llandysul came back into the match and kept the pressure on the Kington defence and following excellent work by Rhiannon Farr in midfield she managed to slip the ball through to Tracey Davies who broke down the right wing and she crossed the ball into the middle of the circle for captain Erin Morgan to score a great goal. Following this success there were a few chances for Llandysul with Erin Morgan again hitting the post, but the score remained locked at 1-1 at half time.
The game continued at the same tempo in the second half with both teams pressing and there were chances at both ends, with Michelle Davies hitting the post for the second time and the visitors also going close. The match was then turned on its head when Kington broke quickly on the counter attack and went ahead with fifteen minutes left to play. Llandysul bounced back and kept the pressure on, but the Kington defence stood firm and they managed to see the game out to inflict the first defeat of the season for Llandysul, in a game that was a credit to the division.
The younger players in Erin Davies, Ellie Evans and Jano Evans did really well for the team again, and it was great to see Alaw Roberts back playing for the first team. Michelle Davies was named player of the match for the hosts whilst for Kington there were none better than Ella Davies.
Many thanks to Calon Lân for sponsoring the match and to the Porth Hotel for the food after the match. This Saturday Llandysul entertain Penarth 3rds at Ysgol Bro Teifi .
