The scene has been set, Cardiff Ladies Hockey team take on the home Swansea Ladies team at 11am on the Swansea turf. If you’ve never played or spectated a hockey game before here is a brief overview.
Each team consists of 11 players; 1 goalie and 10 outfield, with a maximum of 5 rolling substitute players. The structure of each team varies on their preference of play but the Cardiff ladies played with 4 defenders, 3 midfielders, and 3 forwards in which after half time they switched to 4 midfielders and 2 forwards instead. The aim of the game is to get the ball in the goal, pretty simple.
The teams are ready and Swansea have first push back. The first quarter saw Cardiff win two short corners but unfortunately were not able to score. Both teams have come out strong and the standard of play has been very level between the two sides.
In the second quarter, Cardiff continued to impress. Swansea win a short but goalie, Cara McEwen, impressively saves two strikes at the goal. The third quarter sees some incredible balls sent up the pitch from defensive player and captain, Hannah Jones. Where forwards, Sian Snyman and Lizzie Beardsall have some amazing link up play as well as Ella Coomer and Poppy Herbert making great attacking lines that result in multiple near misses at the goal. Cardiff are a lot more dominant over the Swansea team, who are a league above them, in this quarter.
Cardiff are a lot more dominant overthe Swansea team, who are a league above them
As the fourth and final quarter starts, there is hope for this Cardiff side to get a goal. Unfortunately Swansea win a short corner that sends the ball into the net after deflecting from a Cardiff player. Controversy sets as to whether this should be determined as a goal or not. Cardiff wait in anticipation as the umpires converse about the determination of this goal and after somewhat incorrect consideration, Swansea are awarded the goal.
Final whistle and time is up. Swansea win 1-0. Incredible effort from all of the Cardiff girls, they have done their university proud.