TENBY LADIES 2 CARDIFF LADIES 0

On Sunday, a very nervous Tenby Ladies hockey team travelled to Caerphilly to play in the first round of the Welsh Plate Competition. It has been some years since Tenby entered this competition, and the thought of playing against an unfamiliar team was quite unnerving.

As soon as the starting whistle blew, Tenby launched an attack on the opposition's goal and within 10 minutes were awarded their first short corner. The outcome... no goal.

Tenby continued to attack, with some highly effective runs by Sophie Treacy in the centre, but a slight under-estimation of Cardiff's speed down the right wing meant that Annie Lindsell, in goal, was forced to make her first spectacular save of the match.

As the first half came to an end, Tenby were very much aware that they should, by now, be in the lead and repeated attacks on the Cardiff goal were miraculously saved by the goal-keeper.

Coach Dave Miller's comments at half-time were a frustrating: "Girls, just get the ball in the goal!" The second half brought youngster Alex Pearce to life. With several 'speedy' runs down the right wing, she repeatedly fed the ball into the circle, while Sophie Treacy used her neverse-stick sweep to send the ball flying towards the right-hand corner of the goal.

However, the Cardiff goalkeeper managed to clear the ball at the last moment... so close, but still no goal.

After 70 minutes of play, the final whistle blew, which left both teams dissatisfied with a 0-0 draw. The umpires declared that 10 minutes each way of extra-time would be played, and Tenby immediately seized this second chance as Barney (Yvonne Squire) dodged her way pasta row of defenders to strike the ball cleanly at the target. As yet another save was made by the goalkeeper, Cardiff gained possession and launched a counter- attack on the Tenby goal. With the help of Miriam Brown, countless short corner attempts by Cardiff were foiled and at the end of extra-time Tenby's fate in this competition was placed in the hands of the five penalty stroke takers, and of course, their legendary goal-keeper.

Annie Lindsell saved all four of the Cardiff strokes, taking the pressure off the Tenby stroke takers, and after a very tense 10 minutes, Tenby Ladies were triumphant with a 2-0 win.

Sophie Treacy and Miriam Brown were the goal scorers who ensured their place in the next round of the competition.

Congratulations to all players, particularly Annie Lindsell, Sophie Treacy and Alex Pearce for their outstanding performances. Heartfelt thanks to coach Dave Miller and to Tony Squire, the team's loyal driver and supporter.

Team list: Mandy Lewis (captain), Miriam Brown (vice-captain), Annie Lindsell, Ruth Ferguson, Michelle Johns, Rachel Davies, Yvonne Squire, Jude Roberts, Bryony Rees, Sophie Treacy, Alex Pearce. Tenby Under 15s 1 Milford Under 15s 5

This was the first outing for the newly-formed Tenby Under 15s hockey team who looked very smart in their new kit, sponsored by a Sports Council for Wales Community Chest award. Right from the start, Tenby were under attack from the formidable Milford forwards. Despite some great saves from Catherine Carter in goal and the steady play of sweeper Josie Green, Tenby found themselves two goals down in the first 10 minutes.

The Tenby girls were not put off and through some good movement by Freya Knibb, Hannah Lloyd, Martha O'Neil and captain Liz Longster, they were able to score through Sam Dunfee.

Fullbacks Nia Thomas, Kaiha Williams, Angharad Thomas and Emily Jenkins made gallant efforts in trying to close down the Milford attack, but just before half-time, the visitors added another goal to make it 3-1.

Tenby started the second half with great determination. Breaks from forwards Georgia Lewis, Liz Longster and Anna Lewis resulted in two penalty corners. Tenby were unable to capitalise and Milford were again on the attack.

Goalkeeper Catherine Carter made some spectacular saves, but when Milford were awarded a penalty flick, they scored and then went on to add another to make the final result 5-1.

The scoreline did not reflect the match, which was evenly fought, and the Tenby girls should be proud of what they achieved in their very first match together. There is certainly a lot of potential amongst these girls.

If you would like to join the team, training is on Thursday nights at 7 pm at the Greenhill School Astroturf. Further information can be found on http://www.tenbyladieshockey.co.uk">www.tenbyladieshockey.co.uk

Tenby team: Catherine Carter, Nia Thomas, Kaiha Williams, Josie Green, Freya Knibb, Emily Jenkins, Becky Brace, Angharad Thomas, Martha O'Neil, Hannah Lloyd, Sam Dunfee, Anna Lewis, Georgia Lewis, Liz Longster (capt.).