Dogged performances by Penarth, but no repeat of last year's success (From Penarth Times)

Dogged performances by Penarth, but no repeat of last year's success

PENARTH Lacrosse Club arrived for the Stockport Easter 8s on Easter Sunday with a nine-strong squad hopeful of improving upon last year, when they finished runners-up in the Plate competition (for all non-Northern Premier League teams).

This was not to be their year though, as a tough draw and the inevitable single-goal defeats put paid to any hopes of success.

Penarth 0, Cheadle 4

A tournament opener against favourites Cheadle greeted the Penarth players, and they very nearly produced the upset of the tournament. In a tightly contested first half, the Welsh side more than held their own against a star-laden Cheadle outfit. However, the second half saw a resurgent Cheadle show their true class, dominating possession and breaking down Penarth.

Penarth 3,

Sheffield University A 4

Penarth put up a brave fight, with goals from Chris Lee and Rod Stanford. But they were 4-2 behind with just a minute on the clock, although there was a late score from Stanford.

Penarth 0 Wilmslow 4

Penarth's Premier League opponents had too much fire power under the fast-paced eight-a-side rules, taking the lead early in the game and controlling the match with solid defence and determined midfield play. Penarth battled gamely, and refused to roll over thanks to outstanding defence from Evans and Willis.

Penarth 3,

Nottingham University 4

Penarth fought to the death, but fell short after pulling themselves into contention at 3-3, before conceding the fourth almost immediately. A fine outside effort from Andy Morgan followed Lee's opener, and a further score from Will Barrett gave Penarth hope, but they could not find a way through.

Penarth 2,

Brooklands 2nds 3

This was a war of attrition, bitterly contested and poorly refereed. Penarth believed they had achieved a 2-2 draw, but the result was given to Brooklands amid controversial circumstances. With little discipline being enforced, both sides went in with late and high checks, nearly resulting in a mass brawl. Penarth levelled the scores with goals from captain Matt Wills and vice-captain Will Barrett, before the referees added a mysterious winner for the northern side and cost Penarth a valuable draw.

Penarth 5

Sheffield University 5

With weary legs, Penarth started their final game and quickly fell 3-1 behind, Penarth's opening goal coming from Rob Proctor. Spurred into action by the speed of the Sheffield attack, Penarth's midfield found reserves and began to break down Sheffield. A brace from Andy Morgan brought the scores level at halftime. With a first win of the day within their grasp, the Penarth lads started brightly but went behind to a sucker punch.

An equaliser and second goal from Proctor kept Penarth in the hunt, and when Sheffield scored a fifth, they responded superbly. Welsh Goalkeeper James Richardson turned defence into attack, making a hugely important save before feeding Barrett, who fired into the bottom corner to level the scores.

The day finished with the Plate final, eventually won by Nottingham University over Sheffield University A, and an intriguing Champ-ionship final between Cheadle and Manchester Waconians.

Penarth goalscorers for the Easter 8s: Barrett (3), Morgan (3), Lee (2), Proctor (2), Stanford (2), Wills (1).