South Wales Hockey League
Division 2
Newcastle Emlyn 2 Whitchurch Saints 4ths 0
Newcastle Emlyn ladies hockey team managed to secure their second win on the bounce by beating Cardiff-based Whitchurch Saints by 2-0.
Both sides were evenly matched coming into this game, sitting comfortably side-by-side in the division and the visitors pushed hard in attack throughout the game, spending a significant length of time in the Emlyn half. It was a testament to the brilliant work of the home defence to maintain a clean sheet, in particular Dame of the Game, Ellie Lloyd, who was once again integral to the Ceredigion ladies’ game, as well as Catrin Davies, and Heledd-Mai Lloyd.
The first goal of the match came from the hard work of Beca Lewis who made some great breaks into Whitchurch’s half. Despite the efforts of the visitor’s talented goalie, Lewis was on target to make it 1-0.
Emlyn continued to put the pressure on with some great work moving the ball around the field, and with the ball in the Whitchurch D, a foul by the defence didn’t go unnoticed and the umpire had to award a penalty flick in Emlyn’s favour. Experienced midfield Melanie Williams stepped up to the mark and with no hesitation made it 2-0 with a great flick.
By half time, the hosts were up 2-0 and there was no change in the second half, despite some lovely play from the visitors and a number of short corners in their favour. The reds will be pleased to come away with a clean sheet with this being the first game in which they have not conceded a goal so far this season.
After a slow start in Division 2 it seems Emlyn are on the way up, now sitting in third position on the league table.
This Saturday the ladies in red take on Rhondda 2nds away.
Newcastle Emlyn Men’s Development squad showed some real promise despite a loss against Carmarthen Men’s on Saturday, respectably going down 2-0. In some exciting times for the growing club, this was many of the players’ first ever game and a great opportunity for two local clubs to come together and further their development.
