Late, late show stops Penarth clean sweep
PENARTH Hockey Club missed out on a victorious clean sweep at the weekend, as the 1st XI succumbed to a 5-4 defeat with the last touch of their Verde Recreo Premiership game against Clifton Robinsons.
After bouncing back to winning ways in their only home game of the campaign so far, the 1st XI were looking to build some momentum as they travelled to Coombe Dingle to take on fellow top-five club Clifton Robinsons.
In a see-saw game, which saw the lead change hands on several ocasions, the Bears scored through Jake Connolly, Matthew Grey, Tom Haran, Chris Baker.
With the game heading for a draw, the outcome hinged on a somewhat dubious penalty corner awarded to the home team right on the final whistle. Although Scott Fulton-Brown saved well from the initial strike, Penarth’s imminent clearance was halted by another soft corner award which was converted to give Robinsons a late, late victory.
The Bears were left in disbelief as they came to terms with losing a game in which they had played some of their best hockey and dominated for long periods.
The 2nd XI hosted Gwent with both teams having taken six points from their first three games in De Cymru & The Marches 2, so the match-up at Stanwell was always likely to be a close encounter and Penarth won 3-1. Goals came from Sam Chick (2) and David Joyce.
The Thirds headed into their midtable clash with old rivals Bridgend looking to bounce back from two heavy, if largely undeserved, defeats, and came out 5-2 winners.
Jack Daly (2), Lewis Ingram, Tom Griffiths and Matthew Birch were on target.
The 4th XI also faced Bridgend as they attempted to keep hold of top spot in De Cymru 3, and won 4-0 with Gabe Lilford, Richard Clarkson, Dave Watkins, Joe Ramage on the mark.
The Fifths lifted themselves off the bottom of De Cymru 3 with an historic first victory, coming out on top against Whitchurch F 1-0 thanks to a fine finish from Tom Lumsden
After four weeks with all five teams in action, Penarth will have plenty of players kicking their heels this weekend, with just the 1st and 2nd XIs in action.
The senior team return to Stanwell to take on second-placed Cheltenham (1.45pm start), while the seconds travel to a similarly-position Stroud side (1.30pm start).