Buccaneers sunk on Welsh travels
Cardiff & Met battled back to get the better of Team Bath Buccaneers’ men’s 1sts in Wales. Buccs were missing some key players in John Jackson and Harry Skinner, the former due to a displaced fractured finger, though Cardiff were also without Luke Hawker. After a disappointing loss to Cardiff last year residing in the memory of some Buccs players, they arrived determined to improve their efforts this time round. Bath started well with good spells of possession and territory in dangerous areas. This early pressure told as Ben Stone finely finished with an acute deflection after the initial assist from Archie Foster. Cardiff were keen to respond and immediately looked to settle, applying more pressure as the half continued. It took until the half-time whistle for the hosts to have their first real chance, as a poor error in possession from Bath, resulted in a conceded penalty corner. With the opportunity to put all ten outfield players against four defenders, the odds heavily favoured Cardiff who duly obliged and scored. Buccs were aware they would have to work hard to swing momentum back in their favour in the second half. Despite some promising passages of play and plenty of chances, Bath didn’t seem to be able to convert the available opportunities. Debutants Harry Wooten and Sam Whitehead played well throughout the match, alongside a number of teenagers in the Bath side. The composure shown against the vast array of seasoned international athletes at Cardiff’s disposal was impressive and bodes well for the future. Despite the relatively high level of performance, Cardiff were the team who managed to squeeze in a second goal after a deflection carried a high ball towards the back post, which was tapped in by the grateful player. This result keeps Buccaneers on six points, sitting sixth in a tight table with some important matches awaiting before the winter break. Elsewhere, James Parrish struck five times as the Men’s C team over came Taunton Vale B in an enthralling 7-5 affair. Adam Sandey and Tom Parsons were also on target for Buccs. It was much closer for the D team away at Keynsham, as James King scored the only goal in a 1-0 triumph. Richard Warwick scored the consolation goal for the Es, who went down 4-1 at Weston-super-mare. However, the G team romped to a 4-0 win against Chippenham C on home soil, with Nick Chadwick, Oliver Chadwick and Adam Whiteley among the goals. The ladies 2nd XI, were beaten 2-0 on the long trip to Plymouth Marjon. In better news for the 3rd XI, Imogen Hurst’s goal proved the difference in victory over Bridgwater. There was a matching scoreline and result for the 4ths, who overcame Swindon 2nds with the only goal, scored by Nikki Maclean as she pounced on a loose ball in the D and coolly slotted home. ■ CITY of Bath There was relief for the men’s 1st team, who ended their run of six straight defeats by getting the better of Firebrands A 3-1. The 2nds did not do so well, falling to a 5-2 defeat at home against Somerset Grypons. In a derby date for the 3rds, there was victory by the odd goal in three against the Team Bath Buccaneers F team. Victory over Cirencester B also meant the 4ths halted a poor run. Having lost five straight games, City triumphed 3-2 at home against the Gloucestershire outfit. Corsham were 1-0 winners against City’s ladies 1sts, while the second string were beaten 5-2 against local rivals Team Bath Buccaneers 5ths.