ON an early Spring Sunday morning (Mar 20), Carmarthen 2XI travelled to the National Sport Centre in Cardiff to take on Gwent 4th’s in their semi-final of the Hockey Wales Challenge Cup.
Carmarthen were very excited to be in their fourth Challenge Cup semi-final in the last 4 seasons.
After gaining confidence in their league cup semi final win last weekend, Carmarthen started the game strong.
With first pushback, Carmarthen kept control of the ball with centre midfields Lucy Davies and Kate Howell creating opportunities in the attacking 25 early on, unfortunately Gwent’s strong defence and goal keeper kept Carmarthen from scoring in the first few minutes of the game.
Carmarthen kept the high intensity in the opening part of the game, working hard in the heat to try and find the back of the net, gaining a few short corners that was saved by the Gwent defence. Unfortunately the score remained 0-0.
Some quick breaks from Gwent put defence Leia Thomas, Delyth Rees, Ellie Routley and Ffion Evans alongside goalkeeper Lydia Pearson under pressure to re-gain possession and get the ball back up the pitch.
A quick break driven in by wingback and MOM Mari Davies found Richards on the ‘p’ spot to slot the ball home for Carmarthen much to the teams and supporters delight. The half time whistle blew, 1-0.
Carmarthen had a positive half time team talk and came out to the second half refreshed and rearing to go.
Carmarthen started using their width more to try and unlock the Gwent defence and create more opportunities for the forwards fo find the back of the net.
Wingbacks Tirion Evans and Mari Davies worked tirelessly to quickly transfer the ball around the back with their defence and drive down the wing to connect with their forwards Siriol Richards, Ella Bailey, Poppy Mackenzie-Jones and Charlotte Harries.
Carmarthen forwards controlled the ball in the 25 and around the D to try and find the back of the net to extend their lead.
In the last few minutes of the game Carmarthen defended quick attacking plays by Gwent well, constantly putting the press on and fighting for the 50/50 balls to gain their place in the Challenge Cup Final.
The final whistle blew which created a roar from the Carmarthen crowd. Final score, 1-0 to Carmarthen.
This achievement means a lot to the team as the only previous time they reached this final, it was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Carmarthen awarded their man of the match to Mari Davies for her ability to drive the ball down the wing to create many attacking opportunities for her team and her constant fight for the ball.
Carmarthen 2XI have now qualified for two cup finals to end their season, with this cup final being played on 7th/8th May in Swansea. Come down to show your support for the girls as they hunt down the cup.
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