South Wales Hockey League
Division 2
Newcastle Emlyn 3 Cardiff University 4ths 4:
Newcastle Emlyn were left to rue a number of missed opportunities in the circle after they were edged out by the league leaders in a match they should have won.
Despite facing a team very much in form, Emlyn fancied their chances of knocking the students off their perch but they found themselves 3-1 down at half time with the visitors converting almost every chance they created and the home side replying with just a single goal from Enfys Davies thanks to an assist from player of the game Sioned Davies.
Emlyn tightened up their defence after the break and seemed to have got the measure of Cardiff’s attack. Mel Williams continued to push down the centre for the hosts and was not long before Enfys Davies was put away and she stroked the ball home to make it 3-2.
However any thoughts of a comeback were quickly dashed as the students hit straight back with the ball just eluding the outstretched pads of Emlyn keeper, Angharad Jenkins before hitting the back board.
With just 20 minutes left to go, Enfys Davies once again proved her class with another fine goal to complete her hat trick and this set up a nervy finale at 4-3 and the momentum was all with Emlyn as a continuous wave of attacks put pressure on the visitors defence. A brilliant shot by Sami Connolly looked sure to be heading for the back of the goal but Cardiff’s talented keeper just managed to save it.
At the final whistle the score remained 4-3 to Cardiff Uni but the reds will be more than happy with their overall performance, especially against a side who have yet to lose a game this season and look guaranteed for promotion. Emlyn’s defence will certainly be happier to have conceded just a single goal in the second half. This weekend the Ceredigion ladies team travel away to take on Swansea Uni 5ths.
