Its one, two, three wins for Ladies (From Penarth Times)

Its one, two, three wins for Ladies

THE tables are looking good for Penarth Ladies' Hockey Club after the Firsts, Seconds and Thirds all emerged victorious from last weekend's round of league matches.

The Firsts travelled to Swansea, where they soon found themselves embroiled in a fast game on a bouncy pitch. It was a while before either team looked threatening in the D, with the Seasiders struggling to find each other in their opponent's half. Eventually, however, Kate Morgan seemingly took the lead for the visitors in a goalmouth scramble, only for the goal to be disallowed.

Jane Humpage made an impact for Penarth when she came on up front, with some brilliant attacking runs, but the score was 0-0 at half time.

The Seasiders were caught asleep in the first minute of the second half and conceded a short corner, which was converted into a 1-0 home lead from a straight strike.

But, 15 minutes later the score was level again; Caryl James drove up the left wing from the half way line and then cut inside before passing left to Diana Pugh.

She drove towards the keeper before crossing the ball to the supporting Morgan, who emphatically swept it into the top of the net.

Penarth searched for the win, though only some crucial tackling from captain Sian Baldwin among others kept the score level before a short corner saw Bridget Radice find the net with a minute to go to secure a 2-1 win for the Seasiders.

SECONDS WIN

The Second XI wanted to build on last week's victory when they travelled to Cwmbran and, though the performance wasn't as convincing, they emerged as 4-3 winners.

Cwmbran were the first to score, but Bronia Bendall was on hand to convert at the post and make it 1-1. Penarth then built up a 3-1 half time lead thanks to two short corner goals from Sally Manley. However, Cwmbran weren't going to lie down and they fought their way back to 3-3. Angela Ninian made some great saves to keep Penarth in it and Leah Davies swept the ball in at the right post with five minutes left on the clock to seal victory.

SUPERB

The Third team gelled superbly in their first league match to beat Bridgend 3rds 7-1 at home. Bridgend made it 1-1 after the Seasiders had taken the lead. However, the home side then changed gear and cruised to victory. The Penarth goals came from opposition-nominated Man of the Match Irene Williamson, Carys John (2), Katie, Justine, Claire and Judith Davies.

Next Saturday, the 1sts and 2nds continue their Premier 1 campaign by facing each other at Leckwith at 2pm. The 3rds travel to Brecon LHC.