It was a blustery home fixture at the Bush School ground for South Pembrokeshire this week, and the opposition were Neath. South Pembrokeshire started very well from the push off and passed the ball around fluently. It was Jamie Smith who was first to score for the home side when he capitalised from a pass from up front partner Steve Kendrick. A second goal came shortly after when Robbie Woods steered a shot from Jamie Smith in.
South Pembrokeshire defence were resilient when Neath broke loose on the counter-attack, and the boys at the back played very well when called upon to do so. Paul Morris stepped in to the back four alongside Dave Ferguson, Simon Moseley and Sean Irving.
A third goal came from Tom Colley who was playing his last game for South Pembrokeshire before moving off to officer training at Sandhurst. Colley received the ball from a penalty corner and competently lifted over the visitors' 'keeper. Rob Woods had his second of the game finishing off a well-executed move that began with veteran Nigel Thomas, who played in centre of midfield due to the absence of regular midfielder Tim Lounds.
Steve Kendrick provided another pass to set up Smith for his second before adding a goal himself. Neath scored a goal before the half-time whistle leaving the score at 6-1 at the interval.
After the restart a disappointing second-half followed. Neath were able to score a second goal despite the valiant attempt by South Pembs.' 'keeper Dave Miller, who once again produced an excellent display in goal. The home side were able to grab a final goal though when Bernie Wheeler drove home a shot from a penalty corner routine. The game ended at 7-2, but despite being a convincing score, South Pembs. were disappointed by a lack lustre display in the second-half.
With Penarth losing to Swansea Bay this week, South Pembs. go top of the South Wales Division Two.
Team: Dave Miller, Paul Morris, Sean Irving, Simon Moseley, Dave Ferguson, Tom Colley, Bernie Wheeler (capt.), Nigel Thomas, Rob Woods, Steve Kendrick, Jamie Smith. Umpires: Jane Wheeler FIH, Tony Francis.