Laugharne claims hat-trick (From Penarth Times)

Laugharne claims hat-trick

THERE were mixed fortunes for Penarth Ladies Hockey Club last weekend after the Firsts and Thirds bounced back from defeats to win their matches, but the Seconds lost.

The Firsts looked impressive as they eclipsed last week's setback with a 5-1 away victory over third-placed UWIC 1sts, in the Cyncoed sunshine.

After a good team warm-up, Penarth were soon in command of the match with their controlled passing game, working the ball around the opposition to break into their 25.

After five minutes, one such attack saw Pip Laugharne's shot misjudged by the UWIC keeper and the Seasiders took the lead.

Following such a great start, there was more of the same from Penarth, whilst the UWIC attacks were soundly dealt with by Catrin Morton, Debbie Evans, Sian Baldwin and Tracy Bow in defence.

Penarth's second and third goals came from short corners. Caryl James was on the right post to deflect across the strike for Laugharne to put in for her brace, and later Rachel Atwell was at the top of the D for the slip right and to fire in from what is becoming her trademark angle.

Emerging for the second half 3-0 to the good, Penarth knew that the next goal would be crucial.

The students had adapted their game to better deal with the visitors, and the second half was more even.

Charlotte Perry was forced to make a great save, before UWIC pulled back a goal from a short corner to make it 3-1.

This could have been the start of a comeback for the home side, but Penarth kept their composure and played their game.

This was rewarded 25 minutes into the half when some great build-up play on the right saw the ball come to Tracy Bow at the top of the D. Her shot was saved, but Laugharne was on hand at the post to score for her hat-trick.

The game was well and truly sealed a few minutes later when Rachel Baker stopped and scored from another Penarth short corner.

There was frustration for the Seconds as they went down 2-1 at home to UWIC seconds, in a game that they really should have won.

Due to the absence of some regular, influential players, Penarth included a number of new faces.

The Seasiders did create chances, thanks to committed play from Rachel Atwell and Leah Powell, and Jane Humpage who found the backboard for her side.

However, after the visitors scored twice to take the lead, Penarth couldn't finish off their chances in the D, despite winning a number of short corners, and so the Seasiders couldn't gain the three points that were there to be taken.

There was happier news for the Thirds, when they beat top of the table Bridgend Seconds 3-2 at home.

Despite the absence of some regular team members, Penarth threw themselves whole-heartedly into the game, and were rewarded after just five minutes when Bev Rogers gave them a 1-0 lead.

The Seasiders continued to impress with the midfield working well together, and Carys John and Catrin Edwards making some lethal runs from the back. Penarth's lead was deservedly doubled before half-time, thanks to a goal from John.

Bridgend came out fighting in the second half and managed to score first. Rachel Murray cancelled this out, however, when she found the top corner of the net with her strike and gave Penarth a 3-0 lead.

The effort from the first half was starting to take its toll on the Seasiders and, though they continued to work hard, Bridgend clawed back another goal. This wasn't enough as Penarth dug in to secure a 3-2 victory.

There's a top of the table clash next week as the Firsts take on second-placed Car-diff Athletic at Leckwith at 1pm.

The Seconds make the difficult journey to UWIC Firsts at 11am, and the Thirds will take on Merthyr at Leckwith.