PEMBROKESHIRE 5 SOUTH WALES 2
With no league matches scheduled for last Sunday, it was the chance for the top players in the Texaco Pembrokeshire Women's League to show their ability against a representative team drawn from the Cardiff area.
In perfect weather conditions, and on a Saundersfoot pitch which, despite very heavy recent rain, was a credit to the groundsman, Pembrokeshire started the better of the two sides. Good passing movements gave numerous opportunities for the central midfield of Alis Deason and Jane Lovegrove to provide plenty of ammunition for the centre-forward Emma Rowell to test the South Wales 'keeper.
With wide midfield players Laura Roberts and Nicola Aston creating panic in the opposition defence every time they had possession, it was only a matter of time before they scored.
A ball played from the back by Lorraine Henton was fed through midfield by Cassie Bennett to Alis Deason, and Laura Roberts, making a surging run through the defence, coolly placed the ball past the 'keeper.
Another simple goal was scored a few minutes afterwards when a thrown ball from 'keeper Jo Price was fed from the right by Nicola Aston to Alis Deason, who again fed the ball to Laura Roberts to give Pembrokeshire a 2-0 lead at half-time.
It is a sure sign of progress within Pembrokeshire that the coach had such a good squad at his disposal, and changes were made at half-time to enable everyone the chance of a game.
The excellent Lorraine Henton, Selina Morgan and Emma Rowell gave way to Caryl Davies at centre-forward, Sally James, who moved to centre-back partnering the very impressive Carrie Slack, Imelde Rossi slotting in at left-back, and the ever sound Sharon Rodgers moving to right back.
South Wales started the second-half in a determined mood with some good tackling and solid defending, making it a very good competitive game, but it wasn't long before Pembrokeshire increased their lead with a good close shot by Sally James following a corner.
South Wales were not giving up without a fight, however, and pulled a goal back following a defensive mix up with the 'keeper.
Pembrokeshire went further ahead a few minutes later with a fine goal by Caryl Davies, following some crisp passing between the Pembrokeshire midfield.
Another slip-up by the normally secure 'keeper allowed the visitors to pull a further goal back, but Cassie Bennett made the game safe for the home side with a determined goal.
Final changes to the side were made, with Laura Richards and Gayle Walden replacing Cassie and Jane Lovegrove, both replacements making an instant impression to the game with some good passing and determined tackling.
Goal scorers for a very committed South Wales side were Ali Jones and Sian Richardson.
This was a good game for a large crowd to witness the progress of women's football in Wales, and considering that Pembrokeshire fielded five players who were just 15 and three more under 17 years of age, it certainly shows great promise for the future.
The Texaco Pembrokeshire Women's League would like to offer sincere thanks to Saundersfoot FC for hosting this game and for the very generous refreshments afterwards.