Carmarthen 2XI vs Swansea 6XI

On Saturday 29th February, Carmarthen 2XI welcomed Swansea 6th’s for their first league match in two weeks. 

Carmarthen started strong and controlled possession from the first push back. Centre Midfields Lili Church and Kate Howell worked hard to get the ball to their forwards where the ball was constantly being pressed into Swansea defending 23. After 10 minutes of pressure from Carmarthen, a lovely ball in by Mirain Morgan got the home team in the lead early on, 1-0.

This was the confidence Carmarthen needed as they continued to hunt for another goal. Swansea upped their game with their defence holding strong making Carmarthen work hard to find another way into the net. Carmarthen forwards Mirain Morgan, Siriol Richards, Charlotte Harries and Bethany James worked well together, passing the ball between one another until they could unlock Swansea’s defence. Their waiting payed off where a ball by Richards onto the post found James who had no problem lifting the ball into the net, 2-0. 

Carmarthen were taken by surprise when a quick attack by Swansea managed to find the back of the goal, 2-1.

Through the rest of this first half where a hail storm had started, Carmarthen’s defence Leia Thomas, Ellie Routley, Kate Williams and Marianne Spratt worked well together to stop any more attacks coming through and transfer the ball around the back to give the midfields and forwards the best chance of gaining another goal. Some great saves by goal keeper Lowri Davies in this half ensured that the score was kept to 2-1 heading into half time.

After the half time team talk where Carmarthen knew they needed to go back to playing the basic hockey that they do well, the team were eager to go out and extend their lead.

Carmarthen started with pace and determination, gaining possession from Swansea straight away where a slip from Harries to Morgan secured Carmarthen’s 3rd goal of the game in the opening two minutes of the second half, 3-1.

Swansea were holding strong in the middle but Carmarthen continued to play the ball well between them and use the wings more with wingbacks Tirion Evans, Mari Davies and Rhian Moremon sending some excellent balls into the top corners for the forwards to receive. A great ball by Davies to Richards allowed her to to drive into the ‘D’ and release the ball to Evans who received it on her back hand and sent it into the left hand corner of the goal, 4-1.
The next play seen Carmarthen drive again with a quick ball by Howell to Richards allowed Richards to send the ball into the ‘D’ to find James who slotted it away, 5-1.

Carmarthen were now on fire, making the ball do the work with effective passing between the team to use 1,2’s, transfers and the wings to create so much promising play.

1,2’s through the middle by Morgan and Richards broke into the ‘D’ where Harries picked up a save from the goal keeper to hit the backboard, 6-1. Another goal from the home side came shortly after where a lovely ball from James found Moremon on the post who flicked it passed the goalie, 7-1.

Carmarthen continued to push themselves and support each other in the last 5 minutes as they were determined that another hail storm and a bit of rain was not going to stop them finding another goal with the supporters willing them on. 

Carmarthen were rewarded for their efforts through this weather where a ball from Church in the middle found Morgan who confidentially slotted home the ball in the closing few minutes of the game.

The game finished 8-1 with plenty of goals to show for Carmarthen’s hard work and determination throughout the game. This score reflects what this young team are capable of doing as great teamwork allowed them to score 6 team goals in 35 minutes of this game.

Both Carmarthen and Swansea awarded their man of the match to Mirain Morgan for her ability to create a lot of promising play for Carmarthen and her goal scoring throughout the game.

Carmarthen will continue to train hard this week for their league double header next weekend against Cardiff Medics 3rd’s and Cardiff Uni 5th’s.