PENARTH ROLLER Hockey Club, now in their fourth season in the Welsh Association of Skater Hockey League, were in action last weekend.

The Predators (U-16) Youth team played their opening two fixtures at Rhondda Fach Leisure Centre and had a full squad.

Penarth coach James Webber had introduced new players Martin Davison, Daniel Self and goalminder Jarard Ali, the latter in his first season, and Tim Francis, back after a long illness.

The team arrived at the venue to see their two opponents for the day playing each other, Pontypool were up against Caerphilly, favourites to regain the title. Ponty finally went down by 7 goals to 4.

Penarth v Pontypool

Penarth parents and players were apprehensive as both Pontypool and Caerphilly looked very strong. Ponty were Penarth's first opponents and Penarth soon settled into a good passing game. Ponty were allowing the Predators space and after a couple of near misses, Penarth took the lead with a long range effort from Lee Jones.

The training was now starting to show with captain Matthew Hookins leading the way, goals began to flow. The second half followed the same pattern although Ponty did manage to claw a couple of goals back before Penarth regained control to finish 10-4 victors.

Penarth v Caerphilly

From the start of the match it was obvious that Caerphilly were going to try and mark Penarth's captain out of the game, and with two players on Matthew, this left space for others and Penarth were enjoying more of the play and had several near misses before the referee called a halt.

The playing surface had become very unsafe due to a water leak. Match officials had to call off all the remaining fixtures, much to the disappointment of the Predators.

During both games all players exceeded the coaches expectations, but a special mention for Jarard Ali (in goal) in this his first season. He is working extremely hard on his technique, and his efforts were rewarded with some excellent saves.

Also Dan Self scored a goal on his debut. Goal scorers for Penarth: M Hookins (5), L Jones (2), Alan Steen, Sam Bowring and Dan Self.