On a wet and stormy Sunday morning in December, Tenby Ladies hockey team turned up at the brand new pitch at Carmarthen Leisure Centre to play against Llandyssul in the third round of the West Wales Cup competition. Tenby were two players short, and were well aware of the battle that lay ahead of them to win against Llandyssul's squad of 14 players. Tenby gained possession of the ball immediately, and as midfielders Mandy, Miriam and Jude created space in order play the ball up towards their opponent's goal area, a new forward line consisting of Alex Pearce, Bryony Rees and Yvonne Squire (Barney) waited patiently for the chance to score their first goal. Llandyssul made a few attacking breaks in the first half, but the two Tenby defenders, Michelle Johns and Rachel Davies, tackled everything in sight. At half-time, coach Dave Miller gave some sound tactical advice to the tiring Tenby team, and as the whistle blew to start the second half, they were more determined than ever. The increasing force of the wind and rain did not hinder such intelligent and skilful play from Miriam Brown, Alex Pearce and Yvonne Squire, on the left, as they frequently forced Llandyssul back into their goal circle, and as a result Tenby were awarded their first short corner. A 'cracking' strike from Miriam Brown looked certain to give Tenby their first goal, but a great save by the Llandyssul goalkeeper meant that the Seasiders were left wanting. Midfielder Jude Roberts quickly took the free hits from the right side of the pitch, and the ball seemed to fly through the Llandyssul defence to find Barney and Bryony Rees in a great position at the edge of the circle. Both forwards had several strikes at goal, but the Llandysul 'keeper continued to spoil Tenby's fun. During the last 10 minutes of the match, as the Tenby mid-fielders struggled to help their team to attack and to defend, the defence showed their opponents what they were truly made of! Goalkeeper Annie Lindsell dived to save balls that were being hit from all directions, and she proved to everyone why she is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper in the league. With the help of captain Mandy Lewis, the Tenby defence tackled and cleared the ball continuously to ensure that Llandyssul did not steal the match in the last few minutes. With only a minute remaining, yet another great save by goalkeeper Annie was followed by a match- saving clearance off the goal-line by Mandy Lewis. At full-time, the score was a frustrating 0-0, and for the first time ever, the Tenby players were delighted to learn that the match was to be decided by penalty flicks. After four attempts by Llandyssul, Annie Lindsell kept a 'clean sheet', and Tenby's Michelle Johns and Mandy Lewis's flicks were accurately placed in the back of the goal. The final score was Tenby Ladies 2 Llandyssul 0. Outstanding performances by all nine players: Mandy Lewis (capt.), Miriam Brown (vice-captain), Annie Lindsell, Michelle Johns, Rachel Davies, Yvonne Squire, Jude Roberts, Bryony Rees, Alex Pearce (who played with a twisted ankle and a black eye!).
