28th September 2010
Both National League teams take a point
Whitchurch 1, Guildford 1
Hard-working Whitchurch gained a good point from a 1-1 draw against visitors Guildford, last season's runners-up in the EHL Conference West. The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides quickly closed down when in possession giving few opportunities to develop attacks. Guildford had the better of the game early on but Whitchurch started to put some passes together and fine runs from Mark Whatling and Joe Naughalty caused problems in the visitors' defence. Five minutes before the break Whitchurch made the breakthrough, a flowing move between Tom Vinney and Whatling found Doug Young and his telling pass to the far post was neatly slotted home by Rhys Thomas. The second period was far more open, with both sides creating goal-scoring opportunities. Whitchurch keeper Iwan Williams made a couple of fine saves to deny the visitors' forwards and Whitchurch almost doubled their lead, a snap shot from Thomas rebounding off the post. Guildford though were enjoying good possession and their pressure was rewarded with an equaliser fifteen minutes from the end, Will Blockley converting a penalty from an offence at a short corner. There were few further opportunities created by either side though and an absorbing game ended all square.
Swansea 0, Team Bath 0
Swansea Ladies continued their unbeaten run with a draw at home to Team Bath, following last week's 3-0 win at Worcester. Swansea had the better start of the two teams, having all the pressure in the early stages. This was nearly rewarded when Natasha Marke-Jones smashed the ball past the keeper into the top corner, only for it to be disallowed for being a shot outside the circle. Swansea continued to have most of the play, winning a number of penalty corners, which were either narrowly missed or saved by the keeper. The second half reflected the first, with Team Bath having only a few opportunities to score, but the Swansea defence stood firm, and no goals were conceded. The Swansea girls, despite missing 3 of their Internationals Captain Natalie Blyth, Kat Budd and Abi Welsford, continued to fight, but the game ended 0-0. The girls were disappointed with the result and felt it was 2 points lost not a point gained. However, Swansea remains equal 2nd in the table and is the only team in the league not yet to concede a goal. We now look forward to the next fixture at table-topping Firebrands next Sunday, and wish Nat, Kat and Abi all the best at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
