3rd team

Match Reports

Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Risca - Saturday 20th February 2010

Goal scorers - Sarah Hughes, Louise Jones, Alys Smith

Saints turned up with a more settled side this week and dominated the first 15 mins but then had a very shaky period which saw them defend well and keep the quick Risca forwards at bay. A positive team talk at half time resulted in a rejuvinated Saints who scored 3 cracking goals against an inform Risca keeper. Injuries to Moira and Lemos meant Saints had to make changes but this did not affect their play. This is a very encouraging spell for the 3s.

Big thank you goes to our supporters who have been turning up week in week out - it really does make a difference to the team. Players - Ola (GK) Moira, Emma D, Anne Sh, Elin B, Alys S, Vicky S, Nan, Louise, Sarah, Becks L, Eleri, Goldie, Nikki.

Man of the Match for Saints - Vicky Sutton

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Sue Noakes - Saturday 13th February 2010

Goal scorers - Sarah Hughes, Alys Smith, Maxine Landeg

Another must win game (as usual at the moment) for Saints 3s saw them with a much changed side one again. Having lost Moira that morning to illness the defence was restructured and two of our promising U15 players were drafted in to start the match. The first half was very even with changes both ends. Saints took a while to get into the game but once they settled they played some good hockey. The second half saw Saints impose themselves on the game. Great team effort and also the individual effort of Alys Smith saw Saints finish the game as 3-1 winners.

Man of the Match for Saints - Alys Smith

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Cardiff Ladies - Saturday 6th February 2010

Excellent end to end hockey played in a good natured, friendly manner. Both sides had early chances but it remained 0-0 at half time but within 30 seconds of the restart Saints conceded an very well executed goal by a Cardiff forward. This spurned Saints on and after a good spell of hockey they were finally rewarded with a goal by Nanneke. Saints pushed for the winner but it was not to be. This was a great team effort, a bit more like this and Saints will be moving up the table.

Man of the Match for Saints - Megan Thomas.

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Radnor - Saturday 23rd January 2010

Saints faced a difficult match this week against league leaders Radnor.  The Saints fought hard throughout the first half and were unlucky to concede an early goal.  However, with some brilliant passes up front an equaliser was swept in by Max bringing it to one all at half time.

The match continued to be tight in the second half with some superb work in defence, especially by our goal keeper Ola who pulled off some amazing saves earning her man of the match.  Saints kept battling hard and were unfortunate to concede a second goal close to the end of the match giving Radnor the win.   Although it was a defeat the 3rds proved that they are getting stronger as the season goes on and are playing some brilliant team hockey!

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Bridgend 2's - Saturday 14th November 2009

Saints faced tough opposition at home against Bridgend, both teams came out fighting in the first half and with some good shots and opportunities from both teams the game looked as if it could go either way and so deadlocked at half time with a 0-0 score line.

However, with some good advice and tactics at half time Saints took control in the second half pressing into the Bridgend half earning a well deserved short corner. With the Saints looking promising off short corners this season they soon took full advantage of this with a well struck hit from Louise finding the defender’s foot right on the goal line..PENALTY FLICK SAINTS! Team Captain Vicki Sutton stepped up to the spot to take it, pressure on, a superbly taken flick into the back of the net left the goalie shocked with no chance to save it and the score line a well deserved 1-0.

With Saints heads high the rest off the second half went our way with excellent 1-2 passing throughout and the defence clearing anything Bridgend had to throw at them. 10 minutes before the end Bridgend cracked under the continuous pressure by Maz, Max, the twin’s and the rest of the midfield, gaining another well deserved short corner. Seeing as a straight strike worked previously captain Vicki decided to try it again, yet another cracking hit by Louise and the ball flew straight passed defence and stunned goalie, 2-0 to Saints.

The remaining 10 minutes Saints continued with the pressure and were unlucky not to get a third goal. Overall an excellent game from Saints, let’s take this into the next game now!

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Gowerton - Saturday 10th October 2009

Whitchurch saints 3rd team gained a well deserved 1 - 1 draw on Saturday away against Gowerton 2nds.

The home side scored quickly in the first half but this did not deter the 3's who battled hard with Eleri Jefferies scoring a fantastic goal just before half time, thus setting up a thrilling second half.

Fine saves from player of the match Ola meant the home team were denied any further goals ending the game 1-1 which meant the 3's left Swansea feeling buoyant after a fabulous team effort.

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Saints 4th XI - Saturday 19th September 2009

The newly formed 3rd Team made a solid start to their season with a good 2 - 0 win over the 4XI on Saturday.

For a side that have never played together before the team soon gelled and were putting together some nice passages of play.
The 3s almost got on the score sheet in the 20th minute when Captain Vicki Sutton pulled out a powerful reverse stick shot from top D that was well saved by Ola the 4th team's bright, young Goal Keeper. The 3s battled on with Fi Treseder and Vanessa McIntosh looking threatening through the middle. And Alys and Elin provide pace on the wings.

The 4th Team looked a force to be reckoned with and their younger players certainly gave the defence something to worry about, led by Gaynor and Kerin at the helm the youngsters looked bright and dangerous. However the 3s soon got on the score sheet when Maxine Landeg Hit home to make it 1- Nil.
The 3s had a number of penalty corners but were unable to capitalise. However another goal in the second half saw the match end 2 – 0. A positive match played in good spirit that produced good performances for both teams to use as a platform for when the League starts next weekend

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Whitchurch Saints 3rd XI v Radnor - Saturday 3rd October 2009

Result and match report to follow...