4th team

Top Scorers 11-12 Season

Match Reports

Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v UWIC 3's - Saturday 28th January 2012

Score 3 - 0 Win

A strong start today with some excellent passing through the mid field. UWIC kept the pressure on us, cutting out our passes out very quickly. After 15 minutes some excellent work from Rosie at the right base line lead to a cross into the D and a superb finish by Alex.

UWIC fought back and piled on the pressure in the D but Morgan played a superb 10 minutes to keep the ball out of the goal.  The second goal followed in the 25th minute, a lot of scrapping in the  D was eventually finished by Alex at the far post.

UWIC came out strong in the second half. Their strong mid field kept us fighting for the ball. Early on, Rachel made a flying run down the right wing, offloaded to Cat who crossed the ball in for Lou to whoof it into the goal. A fantastic goal to round off a cracking move :) UWIC kept fighting until the final whistle.

An excellent team effort today. Final score 3-0 to Saints. Rachel got the much deserved man of the match. Thanks also goes to the umpires.

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Gowerton - Saturday 21st January 2012

Score 0 - 4 Loss

Whitchurch Saints were caught out by an early goal from Gowerton and took a while to settle into the new formation they were playing but held the visitors to 1-0 at half time.

Saints continued to battle on in a very physical game but Gowerton scored from two penalty corners, two excellent strikes from the top of the 'D' and proved too powerful for young Saints keeper Menna Davies who had a very good game.

There was some excellent defending by Saints right back Rhiannon Clarke and she was helped out by Lucy James playing out of position at centre back. Gowerton were the stronger of the two teams and ended the game by scoring a fourth goal much to the disappointment of the Saints team, but it was a good to start the second half of the league and they look forward to next week fixture against Uwic 3's in Whitchurch at 11.30.

Saints player of the game was Rhiannon Clarke.

Saints would also like to say welcome back to Louise and wish Elspeth a speedy recovery.

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Aberystwyth Uni - Saturday 19th November 2011

Score 0 - 4 Loss

Um, hindsight is a valuable thing indeed and perhaps Saints could have been more tactical but instead decided to play hockey. This was actually a nice change to play against a skilful side that brought a good umpire in a half decent, exciting, flowing and open game in which Saints held their own until the beginning of the second half. Right from the start, Saints knew they were in a game with their midfield and defence under the cosh as the students frequently attacked in numbers, with withering speed, skill, coordination and organisation. Once the Saints defence figured out the pace and pattern of the students play, they held up through good structure and communication amongst the backs, but it was very hard work against the fitness of the students, who at times it looked like they had more than 11 players on the pitch. Still, Saints looked to attack at every opportunity that came their way, and gave what they could with some nice touches and hard work from Alex Poole and Emma Stonelake, both of whom deserve mention for their guile, exceptional work rate and commitment. While the students mounted attack after attack, Saints still managed to match them and several times had the students defence and keeper at full stretch during the first half.

With the score at 0-0 at half time, Saints were realistic, knowing it was a tight game and how hard it was going to be if they were going to get a result. But within 3 minutes from the restart, Saints conceded the first of three very soft goals in succession due to their defence’s inability to quickly get hold of the ball and clear it to their own team. Saints seemed to lose a lot of their structure, but still bravely countered and won a short corner, being unlucky not to reply in kind. As the half went on, Saints conceded a further 2 soft goals, but regained more of their structure. In the end, Saints could not be faulted for their desire, effort, and hard work, but do need practice when to release the ball wide and early and look to play the ball around using each other rather than taking it into contact. On hindsight, one can only ponder if the score line would have been different if Saints had withdrawn to their own half to defend in numbers to hold the students out, soaking up the pressure and then mounting sporadic attacks.   

Thanks to Joey for being a solid umpire and thanks to our opposition for their good grace.

Man of the match: Elspeth Samuel

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Gwernyfed - Saturday 12th November 2011

Score 2 - 2 Draw

Gwernyfed took their chances well to peg back a dominant Saints side to a draw. However, their defence stood firm to countless attack after attack soaking up so much pressure, protecting their D and their keeper and preventing Saints from getting shots away. The statistic speaks for itself that for all their pressure Saints did not win a short corner until half an hour into the game. Saints pressure eventually paid off with midfielder Rosie McBryde scoring from the edge of the D with a well placed push shot going in at the left corner. There were some really nice passages of play down both flanks from Rachel Selleck, and Cath Hughes; and Emma Stonelake and Kylie Powell linked up very well with each other with some penetrating passing exchanges, but at times there was some confusion due to the royal blue colour Gwernyfed played in. Gaynor added a second when her shot took a deflection from a Gwernyfed stick and flew into the net. Gwernyfed didn’t offer much in attack and the Saints defence of Emma Drain, Eleri Thomas and Rhiannon Clark easily dealt with them and worked well together to channel attackers onto defenders sticks. However, one of Gwernyfed’s breaks led to a short corner and while the initial shot was going wide, a Gwernyfed forward was quickest to react and directed the shot to beat Menna in goal, making the score 2-1 at half time.  

In the second half Saints meant to carry on where they left off and looked to extend their lead, putting the opposition defence under immense pressure. As Saints took more chances to push forward, Gwernyfed again relied on counter attacks and Menna made a stunning reaction stick save low to her right when the Gwernyfed forward was all ready celebrating a goal. With Saints feeling the pressure, basic errors began to creep in at key moments such as the ball not cleanly taken or hitting a foot. They also began to lose some of their shape and with more space Gwernyfed built up their own pressure, and won another short corner. The shot was saved on the post, but a touch of back spin was enough to see the ball bobble over the line, much to the distress of the Saints defender who initially got her stick to it. Saints kept attacking but were thwarted time and time again with Kylie Powell going tantalisingly close at the right post at the end. At the final whistle, the win was not to be and Saints had to settle for a draw. In reflection, Saints must learn to bury their chances, but take heart to have played some lovely hockey in most areas of the pitch and for coming away with a point.     

However, areas to work on, in particular, in the attacking D such as: -

• Get in quick shots as soon in the D
• Get players in the opposition D
• Pressurise the defence in the D

Finally, thanks to Joey for her invaluable coaching and to Cat Thomas, for her steady umpiring and here’s to more fun next week against Aberystwyth  University.  

Player of the match: Menna Davies

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Cardiff Uni 4's - Saturday 5th November 2011

Score 1 - 2 Loss

Saints came into the match with much confidence following on from their win last week, but with several players missing and goalkeeper Claire having to step in at the last minute, the 4s were up against it.

A strong start from Saints gave them most of the possession in the first half, with attacks forcing Cardiff Uni onto the back foot. Saints were able to link up well using short passing play and the Uni side were forced around the back after some very strong blocking. Unfortunately all the possession wasn't converted into goals, until a perfect strike from Emma gave the 4s a well deserved but hard earned goal.

4s defence held up well until a broken hand forced Lynn off, upsetting the form at the back, and unfortunately the 2nd half did not go the Saints way. Cardiff Uni were awarded several short corners and despite the 4s best efforts, Cardiff Uni broke and scored. With the scoreline 1-1 the game could have gone either way, but as the Saints were tiring the Uni side appeared to gain confidence and they were able to score again. A disappointing result for the 4s who all gave 100%, worked as a team and created some really good play.

Everyone wishes Lynn a speedy recovery. Many thanks to goalkeeper Claire and well done to our goalscorer and player of the match Emma Stonelake.

The 4s now look forward to next week where they take on Gwernyfed at Hawthorn, 12.30pm push back.

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Howardian 3's - Saturday 29th October 2011

Score 2 - 1 Win

A well organised 4th XI took on a strong Howards side, looking to build upon their good showing the previous week. Saints soon got into their stride, dominating play, moving the ball around and linking up well with each other. The team put into practice Joey Howells’ coaching by successfully blocking all Howards hits, forcing them to play the ball around the back and pressurising them into mistakes. Saints attacked incisively with some nice counter attacks down the right side, but were very unlucky not to be 3 or 4 goals up at halftime, drawing out some great saves from the Howards keeper.

The second half saw Saints continue where they left off and finally Emma Stonelake broke the deadlock from close range. A cracking Cat Jones strike at short corner saw their lead extended. Howards then turned up the pressure with strong runs coming from their midfield players, frequently threatening the Saints goal, but Menna Davies made a string of important saves. Saints defence were under a lot of pressure but were still able to feed the ball up to attack with the game opening up into an exciting end to end game. Howards defence, however, was able to keep the Saints attack out of the circle. Howards were finally rewarded when one of their midfielders managed a weaving run past several Saints tackles and slotted past Menna in goal. Saints held firm for the final 10 minutes and held off Howards for a well deserved win, the margin of which should have been far more.

Saints 4s continue to gel together and improve as a team, playing a good standard of hockey and developing their style of play. Performances of note were Kerin Bowen at left back, Alex Poole working tirelessly in midfield and the dependable Rhiannon Clark in defence who steadied the ship with some great marking and strong tackles.

Special thanks to Joey Howells in particular, for her coaching from the side, to our umpire Jo Page, and to our supporters.
 
Player of the match: Emma Stonelake

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Swansea Uni 2's - Saturday 22nd October 2011

Score 3 - 0 Win

Saints 4’s played Swansea Uni 2’s at Hawthorn and dominated for the majority of match. With a few new players Saints took hold of the game and refused to let the students take control.
The game was mainly played in the opposition half.  Saints had several short corners and managed to score 2 off them. The ball was injected by left mid Rachel Selleck to Captain Gaynor Gierak at the top of the 'D' who struck the ball well towards the left post, Rachel obliged by slotting the ball into the goal. The second goal was almost identical to the first. 
With Saints now 2-0 up they settled into a more relaxed game and from open play midway through the second half forward Mari Wynne netted their 3rd goal.  Much to the delight of the whole team Saints won their first league game of this season 3-0.

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Rhondda 2's - Saturday 15th October 2011

Score 0 - 1 Loss

It was a good battle between two evenly matched teams. There were glimpses of good hockey but both teams struggled to find the breakthrough.

Saints enjoyed lots of early possession and produced chances with Rhondda having to defend hard. However, in the second half, Rhondda began to dominate possession. Saints were indebted to Rhiannon Muliro in goal, who had an outstanding game, and was able to keep the game goal-less until two minutes from time when Rhondda snatched a late winning goal. The game finished 1-0 to Rhondda.

Saints player of the match was Emma Stonelake.

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v UWIC 3's - Saturday 8th October 2011

Score 1 - 2 Loss

A determined and positive 4th XI took to the pitch for this league game and immediately put the UWIC defence under pressure, mounting attack after attack and combining nicely finding each other with accurate passes. However, UWIC tackled well and Saints were unable to convert their dominance into corners or goals. A breakthrough came against the run of play when a UWIC attack put the Saints defence under pressure who could only manage to clear the ball back to the waiting opposition. Menna Davies in goal was very unlucky when UWIC’s scuffed shot squeezed over the line. Saints responded with some dogged attack play and were rewarded with an equaliser when a determined Lucy James forced the ball home from close range.   

In the second half, Saints carried on where they left off from the first half, passing the ball around, with good communication, understanding and support play. UWIC again persisted in their defensive duties and frustrated the Saints forwards whose efforts were also hampered by a lack of incisive umpiring. Several times Saints felt a real sense of injustice in that it appeared they should have been awarded several free hits and short corners which were not forthcoming. Adding to their frustration was a lack of luck and the outstanding form of the UWIC keeper who saved shot after shot. UWIC’s winning goal stemmed from yet another unrelenting Saints attack which unfortunately broke down. A swift UWIC counter-attack left Saints defenders exposed and the ball fell kindly for UWIC to flick the ball into the goal.

Saints didn’t give up, continuing to put in a massive effort and showed real character, but were still unable to score. It has to be said the quality of the opposition umpiring proved to be a decisive factor in the outcome of this game, which is a bitter pill to swallow. A disappointing result and undeserved loss, but Saints will put this behind them and pick themselves up for another tough league game next week against the Rhondda. Thanks to our Saints supporters, you were very much appreciated, as always.

Saints player of the match: Elspeth Samuel

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Whitchurch Saints 4th XI v Gowerton - Saturday 1st October 2011

Score 2 - 5 Loss

The 4's travelled to Gowerton for their first league game of the season. We had 3 new players Eleri Thomas, Rachel Sellick, Rhiannon Clarke and 2 players coming back from travelling and injury Alex Poole and Cat Jones.

We travelled with 14 players but because of confusion on Friday night with Gowerton we ended up without an umpire so Kerin Bowen umpired which left us with 13.

The team played well for largest part of the game but Gowerton had a full quota of 16 and used them well in the extreme temperature. Saints went into the lead with a goal from Nia Davies but Gowerton soon equalised and then took hold of the game stretching their lead to
5 - 1.

Saints then lost 2 players, Sian through injury and Emma due to other commitments. Down to 11 players Saints struggled but didn't give up battling right to the end of the game when they had a short corner which was successfully converted by captain Gaynor Gierak.

Saints player of the match was goalkeeper Menna Davies who was outstanding throughout the game.

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