PENARTH Hockey Club’s 2nd XI maintained their unbeaten run into a sixth game with victory at home, but there was bad news for the senior team on their Davis Wood Hockey League travels.

Penarth ‘A’ 3-2 Whitchurch ‘G’

Returning to action after an enforced one-week break thanks to the recent cold snap, Penarth’s 2nd XI entertained Whitchurch ‘G’ at Colcot Sports Centre looking to further extend a rare unbeaten streak stretching back to the fixture with Whitchurch ‘F’ in late November.

Able to field a strong side, featuring a blend of youth and experience, Penarth started the stronger with the industrious Nathan Townsend and wily Rob Harrison providing the link between defence and attack. The cutting edge was missing up front, however, until Dave Watkins was introduced midway through the half, but the veteran immediately linked up with Rory Vizard to put the home side ahead.

Whitchurch refused to be bowed by falling behind, and increased the pressure on Penarth’s goal, with the Bears grateful to have Jason Harris between the sticks as the he frustrated the visitors’ best efforts to the interval. Penarth could have gone further ahead shortly before the break, only for Craig Llewellyn’s penalty corner strike to be unwittingly deflected past the post by a defender.

Despite their opponents’ lowly position in De Cymru 2, Penarth knew that they had to get quick goals in order to settle the game but, as has become habit, allowed the visitors’ to get back on terms by conceding an early equaliser. With Whitchurch earning a string of penalty corners, the next few minutes were nervy for the home side, before a double strike midway through the half appeared to put the game to bed.

Watkins added a second to restore the Vale side’s advantage, before Penarth turned defence into attack as Llewellyn retrieved a stray ball deep in his own 25 and a quick series of passes set up Paul ‘Freddy’ Thomas to double the margin.

Whitchurch refused to go quietly, however, and continued to put pressure on the home defence, pulling one goal back late on before veterans Graeme Jones, Paul Roberts and Zbig Sobierserski went into lock-down mode. A late penalty corner threat was nullified shortly before the final whistle sounded, giving Penarth a hard-fought 3-2 victory that confirms sixth spot in their division ahead of a string of fixtures with higher-placed teams.

Cardiff University ‘A’ 5-1 Penarth

Two high-scoring victories either side of the Christmas break saw Penarth’s senior team head to Llys Tal-y-Bont in confident spirits, only to have the bubble burst by a well-organised Cardiff University side.

The 5-1 reverse made a dent in Penarth’s recently-repaired goal difference, but the Bears remain seventh overall in De Cymru & The Marches 1, and still within touching distance of the top four with eight matches remaining.

With the 2nds taking a week off due to the odd number of teams in De Cymru 2, only the 1st XI will be in action this weekend, hosting a high-flying Hereford side that inflicted a heavy defeat on the Vale side earlier in the season.

Penarth Hockey Club always welcomes new, old and returning players, umpires, supporters, friends and helpers regardless of age and ability. Training takes place on the artificial turf at Barry Sport Centre every Wednesday, with the Juniors in action between 6-7pm and Senior between 7-8pm.

Further information can be obtained from club secretary Dave Stevens at d_stevens81@hotmail.co.uk.