BRECON Ladies hockey team entertained Penarth 2nds at their home ground at Penlan on Saturday.

The game was always going to be a difficult match for Brecon as Penarth 2nds are currently in third position in the Division 1 League table, making them a potential contender for promotion to the Premiership Division going into next season.

However, with the game taking place on home soil, Brecon were keen to put up a good fight and improve on the score form their previous encounter with Penarth earlier in the season.

In addition, the crowd of supporters on the sideline was sure to give Brecon the encouragement and urgency they needed.

Penarth won the first push back and the away team were keen to apply pressure to Brecon from the onset.

With some young fast players on their forward line, Penarth were able to use their speed to move the ball into Brecon’s defending quarter.

The home team’s outfield defence Katie, Rachel Jones and Lucy Jones had their work cut out, but were quick to respond to Penarth’s attacks.

With the support of the sweeper and the midfield, the home team worked together to form a solid defence, however Penarth’s determination and attacking formation made it very difficult for Brecon to move the ball past the halfway line.

Given Penarth had held the majority of possession in the first 10 minutes it was not surprising that they would be the first to score.

Their first goal came from a rebounded strike at the goal keeper Megan Thomas, which was slipped behind Megan to roll across the line, with Brecon’s defence narrowly missing out on deflecting the goal.

With a 1-0 score line, Brecon seemed to kick into action, keen to retaliate and even the score.

With Penarth playing an attacking game, space was created behind their defence, and a quick break from the Brecon’s midfield and forwards saw the ball move to Brecon’s attacking quarter. Emily James was the goal scorer from Brecon, dodging Penarth players in the attacking quarter to create space in the circle to put an impressive strike past the Penarth goal keeper. The teams were back to an even score.

It was unfortunate for Brecon that before the half time whistle blew, Penarth were able to take Brecon unawares, and with a fast break to rival Brecon’s earlier goal, they were able to put another goal past the home team and take a 2-1 lead going into the second half.

The second half saw a bravely fought game for both teams, with possession fairly equal between the home and away side.

However, it was Penarth that proved to be the stronger side on the day, managing to score a further two goals before the game finished. The final score was 4-1 to Penarth.

The Brecon Ladies however were not disheartened, and will be hoping to give Bridgend a tough game next weekend, again at Penlan, Brecon (1pm push back).

The girls would like to thank once again the Market Tavern Hotel for providing match teas, and James Dean Estate Agents and Select Security Specialists for providing sponsorship for the ladies team.