News

Match Report - Cup Semi Final 20/3/16

WSLHC 1s v Cardiff Uni 1s

On the 20th of March, WSLHC 1s faced rivals Cardiff uni 1s for a place in the cup final. The home advantage meant we had many supporters there to cheer us on, and after an energetic warm up, the match started with intensity. With the two teams playing expansive hockey, there were chances at both ends in an open competitive game. Cardiff uni were the first to strike, with a well worked break at pace, finished off at the back post. However, we responded well, and within a minute Nia Davies had put us back level with a brilliant finish from a tight angle. With both teams working hard in defence, it remained 1-1 at half time.

We came out fighting in the second half and a brilliant team goal put us ahead, with an attack down the wing finished off by Jess Edwards at the back post. After a break for an injury, we started to play more confidently and fluidly. We had a chance a couple of minutes later to go 3-1 up and finish the game off, but their keeper did well and they stayed in touch. Uni increased the pressure as they looked for an equalizing goal, but our defence stood up to every challenge, especially goalkeeper Morgann Williams who made some incredible saves to keep us ahead. With two minutes to go, uni broke down the wing, and despite the best efforts of the whole team to keep them out, they were too strong and secured the equalizer.

The match finished 2-2, so penalty shuffles were required to separate the teams. 5 players from both teams stepped up and the test of who could hold their nerve ended 4-4 after 5 shuffles each, with both keepers and all the players involved doing exceptionally well under the pressure. Sudden death was then needed, with uni stepping up first. Morgann pulled off a brilliant save, meaning we just had to score ours to go through. Jen Tilbury stepped up and finished superbly! Celebrations ensued as we claimed our first win over uni this year since a pre-season friendly. Facing us in the final is a strong Gwent team, who have recently been a force to be reckoned with in the league. We go in full of confidence and belief that we can overturn the results in our league meetings to come out on top, to end what has been a brilliant season with a win!