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Whitchurch HC Ladies 2s Match Reports

2s v Cardiff & Met (12th September)

The ladies 2s started their preseason campaign against a newly-formed Cardiff & Met side, with the combining of Cardiff Athletic Ladies with the Cardiff Met students for the coming season. 

The 2s met Cardiff Athletic in last year's Premier 2 division, and were anticipating playing against a strong side as they were promoted back into Premier 1. The squad were made up of players who had played together last season, with the addition of Stewie in goal, newbie Beth Moorcraft and youth player Katie Thorpe. 

Saints started strongly, with good attacking play, taking advantage of the space that Cardiff provided. Kat Lenan was able to make inroads down the left flank, which paid dividends within 10 minutes. A cross from the byline reached a Saints forward within the 'D' to score from close range. Despite numerous attacks the girls were unable to double their lead, and Cardiff came close to equalising when they were awarded a penalty stroke for a deliberate foot on the line. Fortunately their attempt on goal went wide and the score remained 1-0 at half-time. 

Spurred on by the positive opening half Saints tweaked their game following advice from captain Jude Livesey. Saints started to turnover ball higher up the pitch to mount pressure on the Cardiff defence, which eventually resulted in a barrage of opportunities on goal. Five goals were scored in total in the second half, which were the rewards for a great team effort. Despite the 6-0 scoreline Cardiff & Met did make Saints work hard, and credit goes to the defence for keeping a cleansheet. 

Scorers: Meg Atkins, Menna Poole x 2, Kat Lenan, Katie Thorpe

2s v Cardiff Uni 2s (19th September)

The final preseason game for the ladies 2s squad saw them host a Cardiff Uni side that will be opposition in Premier 2 this year. The ladies have been adjusting to a new structure of play, and the formation was put under pressure by the students early on who managed to score from close range when the defenders were caught off-guard. 

However, Saints quickly found their rhythm - solid play by newbie Amy Brook in midfield released the wide players to attack the flanks and Saints were awarded a flurry of penalty corners. Converting two of these opportunities put Saints in the lead. The first being a straight strike (or push) from Amy from the top of the 'D' and the second from injector Cat Fenton scoring through the keeper's legs following an excellent pass from captain Jude Livesey. 

2-1 at halftime, and a much needed break required for Saints to fine tune the press. The second half started at a similar frenetic pace as the first. The students worked the Saints defence hard by transferring the ball back-and-forth and were given the space required to break and equalise. Not to be disheartened by this goal Saints continued to attack the 'D' from both sides, but this left Saints somewhat exposed at the back. Despite excellent saves from Meg Blake and tackling from Liz Wakeling Cardiff Uni were able to sneak ahead again following a counter-attack. The girls gave 100% until the final whistle and going close on occasion to equalising, but the final result was a 3-2 win to Cardiff Uni.

Both preseason results bode well for the league season starting away at Barry next week, with the squad aiming to join the 1s in Premier 1 next season.

Scorers: Amy Brook, Catrin Fenton