WHILE Penarth Hockey Club’s 2nd XI had their unbeaten record preserved by the frozen tundra of Treforest, the senior team roared back into Davis Wood Hockey League action by crushing old rivals Cardiff & Met at home.

Penarth 7-3 Cardiff & Met ‘C’

Despite the arrival of winter in the Vale, Penarth were able to welcome their opponents to Colcot Sports Centre as they looked to build on the 6-1 victory claimed over Cardiff Medics before the Christmas break.

The home side started the game very slowly and Cardiff capitalised by catching them in possession and breaking quickly to open the scoring. The Bears, however, responded quickly, equalising in short order thanks to the ever-reliable Phil Lane, who slotted past the Cardiff keeper following a swift counter attack.

The rest of the half proved evenly matched, but Penarth went into the interval 2-1 down after Cardiff again made the most of some poor defending to retake the lead late on.

Some stern words in the half-time huddle clearly fired the home side, as Penarth came out all guns blazing for the second period and produced some of the best hockey they have played all year.

Putting Cardiff under immense pressure from the start eventually proved too much for the visitors and, as they cracked, Penarth fired home five unanswered goals as Tom Haran, Chris Baker and Chris McCarthy added to a Lane brace that completed his hat-trick.

Cardiff managed to score a scrappy goal to reduce to deficit, but it wasn't long before Penarth restored their advantage to make the final score 7-3 and move up a place in the De Cymru & The Marches 1 divisional standings.

The 1st XI travels to Cardiff University this weekend (January 24) looking to extend their recent run of good form and avenge a home defeat earlier in the season, while the Seconds hope to have better luck with the weather as they host one of the many Whitchurch sides that proliferate in De Cymru 2.

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 at d_stevens81@hotmail.co.uk.