Pembrokeshire Hockey Club 9 Swansea 0
In this rearranged match, Pembrokeshire, able to field one of its strongest sides of the season, took the Swansea midfield and defence apart. Rackowe started the ball rolling with a goal in the first five minutes, followed by Kendrick, Williams, Burrows and Woods, for Pembs. to turn around 5-0 up. The second half saw a repeat of the first, with Pembs. camping in the Swansea half for long periods. A nasty head injury to Woods midway through the second half saw a reshuffle, with Johnson coming on at fullback and Koning joining Wheeler at centre-half. Several short corners were awarded to Pembs., but it was only excellent goalkeeping by the Swansea 'keeper that kept the scoreline down to single figures. Further goals came from Wheeler, Koning, Burrows and Kendrick. With Bridgend at home next week, Pembs. are in a confident mood and another fine performance should see them remain on top of the division. Team: D. Miller, M. Mumford, J. Koning, C. Livingstone, B. Wheeeler, T. Colley, E. Williams, R. Woods, S. Kendrick (capt.), M. Rackowe; D. Ferguson, D. Hunter, O. Johnson. Umpires: J. Wheeler and S. McCarthy.
Pembs. 2nd XI 1 Pembs. 1st XI 3
November 5 was an appropriate day for this clash of the two club sides! With both teams in the same division and several players moving between teams and four first team players unavailable, it was difficult for the selection committee to decide on who played for which team. Those selected for the 2nd XI were determined to show the selectors that they had got it wrong and it was Rackowe who made his point when he saw his attempt at goal scurry past Miller in goal to put the Seconds 1-0 up. Despite the 1st XI having most of the ball, the 2nds made it difficult for them to get any continuity, by putting in excellent tackles in and around their half. Second XI goalkeeper Gavin Clayton made some superb saves from attempts at goal and it was true grit and determination that saw the 2nds turn around 1-0, which was well deserved. Having had some strong words spoken in the interval by both captain and vice-captain, the 1st XI came out with more purpose to their game. Wheeler got the breakthrough that the 1st XI had been looking for with a flick into the goal from a short corner five minutes into the second half. This was followed by a well taken goal from Kendrick from some good inter-play. The 2nd XI still continued to make it difficult, with fine performances from Arthur Kendrick, Simon Mosely, Rob Fieldhouse and Gary McKenzie, in defence, and Job Koning in midfield. Williams finished off a good second half by the 1st XI with an excellent individual goal when he picked up an aerial ball from Wheeler, before rounding three defenders and the 'keeper to place the ball in the net on the reverse sweep. It was a match where there were some heart- stopping moments for the 1st XI - and the selection committee - with some fine performances from individuals in the 2nd XI, who are now pushing for 1st team spots. Pembrokeshire 2nd XI: G. Clayton, A. Kendrick, G. McKenzie (capt.), J. Koning, M. Rackowe, S. Mosely, R. Fieldhouse, D. Head, S. Ferguson, M. Mark, M. Bowles. Pembrokeshire 1st XI: D. Miller, D. Ferguson, T. Colley, B.Wheeler, S. Kendrick (capt.), R. Woods, R. Burrows, O. Johnson, E. Williams, M. Fieldhouse, G. Cole. Umpires: S. McCarthy and K. Edwards.
Pembroke Ladies 3 Carmarthen Ladies 0 Played on the back of last week's win in the Welsh Cup, Pembroke started this game in a pedestrian manner and looked as if they were out for a Sunday afternoon stroll; it was lucky that Carmarthen had turned up with a similar attitude! Several short corners were won by Pembroke, but they could not convert the chances that came their way, until Carys Jones struck a 'rocket' from the last short corner of the half to put them 1-0 up at half- time. The second half was a different story. A half-time team talk had pressed home to the players that effort and determination which had been lacking in the first half was the key to winning this game. Tasha Lawrence and Jenny Cadogan started to control the midfield, with Rosie McBride keeping control of Carmarthen's playmaker, Beccy Cartland. Captain Jackie Cadogan made several piercing runs down the right-hand side, giving the second half forward pairing of Jane Wheeler and Julia Griffiths several chances on goal. Griffiths was putting herself around and came close to scoring on several occasions, but unfortunately was taken from the pitch with a head injury. Pembroke's second came from excellent play down the left by Catherine Hunter and Laura Scott, which resulted in Wheeler putting the ball past the Carmarthen 'keeper. Carmarthen came back strongly, making the most of their limited possession with fast breaks from their half which pressed the Pembroke defence. Victoria Scourfield made several saves from shots on goal and Brenda Scourfield with Beth Hill and Hanna Thomas were strong in defence. Pembroke's third came from a break through the midfield which saw Jones get her second with a fine strike on goal. Team: V. Scourfield, B. Scourfield, B. Hill, H. Thomas, L. Scott, C. Hunter, R. McBride, J. Cadogan, N. Lawrence, Jacky Cadogan (capt.), C. Jones, J. Wheeler. Coach: B. Wheeler; umpires: D. Miller and D. Davies.
Pembroke Ladies Hockey U15s
Pembroke Ladies Hockey Club's Under 15s travelled to Haverfordwest Astroturf to face Fishguard Under 15s in the second fixture of the new Under 15s Pembrokeshire League. This fixture saw two teams of equal age and ability, which brought about an exciting game of hockey. Pembroke started strongly, with the midfield of Jessica Lawrence, Libby Roberts, Harriet Newman and Kate Roberts linking well with forwards Saskia Bossivain, Emily Morris and Daniella Griffiths to create scoring opportunities for Pembroke, but good defending by the Fishguard goalkeeper and defence prevented these chances from being converted. Fishguard counter-attacked well and placed Pembroke's defence of Kirston Rogers, Rebecca Brayford and Carys Wilkes under pressure, but good defence by these players and excellent goalkeeping from Chelsea Butland made sure that the game remained 0-0 at halftime. Pembroke started the second half in determined mood, attacking strongly and creating scoring opportunities, one of which was eventually converted by Harriet Newman. Fishguard continued to apply the pressure and pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to go. Pembroke dug in and fought for every piece of possession and increased their lead through captain Kate Roberts to secure all three points for Pembroke Team: Chelsea Butland, Rebecca Brayford, Kirston Rogers, Carys Wilkes, Kate Roberts (capt.), Libby Roberts, Harriet Newman, Jessica Lawrence, Emily Morris, Danniella Griffiths, Saskia Boissevain. Pembroke Under 15s train every Thursday, 6-7 pm, at the Astroturf Pitch, Pembroke. New members will be made very welcome.