Last weekend, Tenby Ladies Hockey Club played a shield match against first division Pontypridd at Pembroke. The game started with even possession, with Tenby quickly putting on the pressure.
The defence from the visitors proved too strong for them and almost immediately Ponty were awarded a short corner. The combination of Ruth, Donna and Jean, along with 'keeper Annie, played well and defended the many shots and passages of play in the D.
Tenby regained possession and used the width of the pitch, enabling Kate to run down the wing, crossing the ball to skipper Mandy, who was unlucky with a shot just wide of the post.
The next 10 minutes of play were dominated by Ponty and their hard work was rewarded with a succession of short corners. Ultimately, the continuous pressure resulted in Tenby making defensive errors, and Ponty taking their first goal.
Tenby had a couple of good breaks, with Barney, Kate and Julie linking well in midfield, but again they were unable to penetrate the Ponty defensive line. A change in the visitors' forward line created an opportunity for a great individual effort from their own 25, scoring just before the half-time whistle.
The second-half started with two changes to the Tenby side: Sam replaced fellow youngster Lucy and Michelle replaced the injured Donna at the back.
Ponty continued their dominance in Tenby's half and managed several shots on goal which were saved by 'keeper Annie.
Tenby's midfield were marked closely and they had little opportunity to break through the defence. However, there was some good individual runs by Sam, who combined well with Barney, Kate and Mandy. Despite their efforts, their shots were saved by the Ponty 'keeper.
The last 10 minutes of the game saw plenty of end to end play, with both teams in equal possession. Unfortunately, the visitors' fitness out-paced the home side and this resulted in another individual goal by the Ponty striker to make a final score of 3-0.
The match ball was sponsored by Martin Hurlow.
Tenby team: Mandy Lewis (capt.), Kate Morris, Ruth Ferguson, Annie Lindsell, Annie Rossiter, Donna Karaka, Jean Campbell, Barney Izzard, Lucy Higgon, Michelle Johns, Julie Jones, Anna Joseph, Miriam Brown, Sam Nicholas.