ATHLETIC BOOST MATCH FITNESS
CARMARTHEN Athletic Hockey Club’s second XI staged an in-house friendly as they continue their preparations for the new season.
The second XI’S original opposition could not field a team, but the Athletic players did not let the opportunity of some time on the pitch go to waste.
This led to great competition between the team to try to score against their team-mates, especially as this was the squad’s first competitive fullpitch game since March when the coronavirus emergency brought sporting action to a halt.
Both teams started strongly, with the Reds using their extra player to overload the backline and get an early goal on the scoreboard.
The Blacks fought back with Howell and Burton linking well in midfield to feed the ball to the forwards to equalise. The first quarter ended with the score 1-1.
Reds forwards Harries and Burgess-williams began the second quarter with a number of one-twos as they looked to get the ball into the opposition D. But the Blacks defence held out to ensure the scores were level at the half-time interval.
The Blacks began the third quarter with momentum and some fine balls down the wing from MackenzieJones to Raymond allowed her to link up with Bevan.
As the Reds showed signs of tiring, the Blacks took advantage to get the ball into the net.
This was the wake-up call the Reds needed, with the two Davies sisters – Mari and Cate – sending lovely balls down the wing where one was picked up by Evans, who pushed the ball into the goal with ease to level the scores again.
After a well-earned refresher, due to playing 7 v 8 on a full-size pitch, both teams looked to finish the final quarter on a high.
And excellent transfers around the back from Rees, Pearson and Sioned Davies allowed the Reds to keep possession to unlock the opposition defence.
And a series of one-twos around the defence by Mari Davies and Harries allowed Burgess-williams to score.
Similar play along the other wing while they made use of the extra player paved the way for a fourth Reds goal.
Rees, Pearson and Sioned Davies remained strong at the back, stopping the Blacks entering the D and sending it back down the wing channels.
However, with just two minutes left on the clock, the Blacks fought back with purpose as they chased another goal.
And they got their rewards when an aerial ball from Charnley to Raymond in the D gave them a late consolation goal.
The extra player proved decisive in an end-to-end encounter which tested the fitness of both teams.
The game allowed the girls to bond and keep building and learning as the quarters went on.
This ensured that when the team have the opportunity to play a competitive friendly when it is safe to do so in the new year, they will be raring to go.