Friendly bodes well for the season (From Penarth Times)

Friendly bodes well for the season

PENARTH Hockey Club First XI had a final run-out last Saturday before they start their League campaign, travelling to Llanishen and Caerphilly to take on their First XI in a friendly game.

The first half was very one-sided, with Penarth scoring three goals without reply.

The second half continued in the same vein, with Penarth increasing their lead to five, before they tired in the last five minutes to allow Llanishen and Caerphilly two consolation goals, the final score being 5-2 in Penarth's favour.

Penarth's goals, two from short corners and three from open play, were scored by James Kidby (3), Dave Stevens and Chris Sims. Man of the Match was James Kidby.

Penarth Second XI opened their campaign in South Wales Division 3 with an away fixture against Whitchurch E.

The Seasiders found themselves a goal down after five minutes, but fought back, with Dave Watkins netting to level the score before conceding a goal just before half time to turn round 2-1 down.

They were first to score in the second half, again thanks to Dave Watkins. Whitchurch pulled ahead again before Penarth equalised with a goal from Dave Kidby.

A lapse in concentration towards the end of the game allowed Whitchurch to take the lead, but the Seasiders battled back to end the game 4-4, thanks to a goal from Adam Morse.

The side showed a great deal of promise and should improve as they gain experience of playing together.

The Third XI also opened their League season in South Wales Division 3 with a home game against Bridgend B, a team tipped to do well.

Fielding a mixture of youth and experience, with Phil Runsam making a comeback, Penarth struggled in the first half and Bridgend were 2-0 up at half time.

They started the second half well, but injuries to veterans Kevin James and Nick Pratt and the concession of two quick goals left the home side demoralised and Bridgend were able to stretch their lead to run out 6-0 winners.

Man of the Match was Ben Jewess, with special mentions for youngsters Josh Evans and Sam Hackett.

This weekend sees the firsts away to Neath, the seconds at home to Abergavenny and the thirds undertaking the long journey to play the students of UW Aberystwyth.

Training continues at Leckwith Stadium on Mondays, with mixed juniors from 6pm to 7pm and seniors from 7pm to 8pm. New players are particularly welcome.