PENARTH Hockey Club 1st XI remained a frontrunner in the new Davis Wood Hockey League campaign as a second win of 2014-15 kept it in a three-way tie for the lead of the De Cymru and The Marches division.

Cardiff & Met ‘C’ 2-3 Penarth HC

After a good result against Cardiff Medics in their opening league fixture, it was important for the Bears to pick up where they left off in another local derby against the combined Cardiff & Met ‘C’ side at the National Hockey Centre.

Penarth knew that they were going face a far sterner test than that provided by the aspiring doctors, and it was vital that they switched on right from the start. The early encounters were very cagey, with neither side wanting to show their hand too early, and the game consequently remained scoreless until midway through the first half.

Just as the deadlock appeared set to continue to the interval, however, Penarth found a way to unlock the home defence, with some superb build-up play freeing the evergreen Phil Lane to apply the finishing touch.

Buoyed by taking the lead, Penarth were able to control proceedings through to half-time, albeit without adding to their tally before the change of ends.

Keen to build on their solid first half performance, the Vale side once again started strongly, but perhaps over-eagerly looking to double their lead, their pressure allowed Cardiff to counter-attack and goalkeeper Mark Harris was powerless to prevent the hosts from equalising.

Undeterred, Penarth settled back into their game and quickly won a penalty corner after a further spell of pressure. As has become the norm, the corner was converted into a goal via another trademark drag flick from centre forward Chris Baker.

With the game drawing to a close, Penarth cemented the victory as Baker picked the ball up in midfield and proceeded to run through the entire Cardiff defence before unleashing a shot which the home ‘keeper could only parry, and Matt Birch was on hand to knock the ball in the empty net to extend the lead.

Although Cardiff managed to claim a consolation goal in the closing minutes to complete a 2-3 scoreline, it was Penarth who left Sophia Gardens with the points and third place in division, on goal difference, after three weeks of the season.

Llanishen & Caerphilly ‘B’ 0-0 Penarth ‘A’

Having suffered a 0-6 drubbing at the hands of Llanishen & Caerphilly ‘A’ on the opening weekend of the 2014-15 campaign, Penarth’s 2nd XI travelled to Hawthorn looking for a measure of revenge against their opponent’s ‘B’ team.

Unfortunately, the Bears made the trip without several key veterans, and made hard work of a match that should have yielded a handy three points.

The visitors began strongly and dominated possession for vast swathes of the game but, without the cutting edge usually provided up front by Dave Watkins managed just two shots on goal, both of which were ably dealt with the home goalkeeper.

At the other end, Penarth ‘keeper Jason Harris was rarely troubled as the defensive unit held firm for much of the 70 minutes, although Craig Llewellyn was required to clear off the line midway through the first half in order to keep Penarth on level terms.

Youngsters Rory Vizard and Sam Salisbury again endeavoured to create chances for the visitors, but were frustrated by an equally committed Llan & Caer defence, which bottled up the middle of the park and forced Penarth to use the flanks. Pushing James Davies forward in the second half also provided the Vale side with an extra option, but resulted in a single attempt on goal from Graeme Jones.

Sharing the points ensured that Penarth remain exactly in the middle of the De Cymru Two standings, but the team knows that it will need to produce better performances against stronger opposition as the season wears on.

League games continue with two home fixtures this weekend (Saturday, October 11). Both sides will be in action at Barry (Colcot) Sports Centre, with the 1st XI entertaining Cardiff University and the Seconds beginning a long series of encounters with old rivals Whitchurch later in the afternoon.

Penarth Hockey Club always welcomes new, old and returning players, umpires, supporters, friends and helpers regardless of age and ability. Training takes place on the artificial turf at Barry Sport Centre every Wednesday, with the juniors in action between 6-7pm and Senior between 7-8pm.

Further information can be obtained from: club secretary Dave Stevens (d_stevens81@hotmail.co.uk)