Varsity started and ended strong for Cardiff, with an exceptional performance from both the men’s and women’s hockey sides. It was promised to be a good match, as although Cardiff play in the league above, Swansea just missed a relegation this season that would see the teams face each other in BUCs.
A strong starting lineup consisted of some Varsity vets for Cardiff, and the hope that they’d extend Cardiff’s winning streak. The men’s game started off with consistent possession by Cardiff, holding firm against Swansea through a strong offensive play that dominated Swansea’s defence. A short corner early into the first half saw Cardiff capitalise on the opportunity and Number 10: Euan Jones, scored the first goal of the game following a tenacious offensive effort in the D.
Riding on the high of that first goal saw more strong efforts from Cardiff, but an excitable Swansea crowd had rallied some spirit in their boys and they managed to hold Cardiff 1-0 until the end of the first half.
The second half opened strong with another early Cardiff goal from the edge of the D, followed with more strong possession play that Swansea struggled to break through. Swansea’s only goal of the game came from a short corner in the Cardiff end, and was swiftly answered by Cardiff to make the final score 3-1 in Cardiff’s favour.
Whilst Swansea put up a good effort, the most interesting part of their game was a couple of entertaining haircuts, and they ultimately failed to break through Cardiff’s defence effectively, and the team gave them very few mistakes to capitalise on. In comparison, Cardiff guarded their zone with an intense focus and jumped on every chance to pressure Swansea’s offence, a tactic that worked well in the end as Swansea crumbled.
The most interesting part of [Swansea’s] game was a couple of entertaining haircuts
Supported by a sea of red in the stands, an overall win from Cardiff’s hockey club shows promise for these players in the future.
An overall win from Cardiff’s hockey club shows promise for these players in the future