Issue 149

Second Class

20th November 2006

UWS Mens Hockey II 2
Bristol 5

On a dismal Wednesday afternoon under the lights, Swansea's luck deserted them as they were well beaten by the visiting Bristol side. The poor conditions didn't make it easy to play, and in truth it was a scrappy affair.

Swansea started the game well, forcing an early save from the Bristol goalkeeper after Adam Birtwhistle found enough room for a shot following a penalty corner. Bristol, as they found their feet, began to pour forward. They were awarded a penalty corner and only a magnificent triple save from the outstanding Swansea goalkeeper, Jack Parri-Hughes, who stopped them from taking the lead. Swansea dug in for the next 10 minutes, barely getting out of their own half as Bristol piled on the pressure.

Just as Swansea were looking on the brink of conceding, they eventually regained some control and had a couple of chances, with Birtwhistle involved again, but he was first thwarted by the Bristol keeper, and then by the post. Marcus Wardill did manage to round the keeper, but his effort was blocked.

The first goal of the game went Bristol's way as the Swansea defence backed off and allowed the Bristol forward to smash home. Swansea were then forced to spend long periods in their own half again as Bristol looked to extend their advantage. It didn't take long. The Swansea defence went to sleep and Bristol converted a simple chance. Only two more great saves by Parri-Hughes stopped the lead growing as Swansea heads dropped.

However, as skipper Ben Snell rallied his troops and Swansea hit back through Wardill. Having collected a pass on the right, he ducked inside and finished with assurance from a tight angle. This was just the tonic as half time approached.

Swansea, though, conceded again before the interval as Bristol scored from another penalty corner.

Going in 3-1 down at the interval, Swansea had not done themselves justice. Despite some great goalkeeping, and some robust tackling from Jonathan Cadoux- Hudson, the difference between the sides at this stage was simply composure in front of goal and Swansea's inability to keep hold of the ball.

Swansea began the second half much the stronger side. They retained possession well, and showed much more patience in attack. Bristol barely had a touch in the first 5 minutes. When they did, however, they made Swansea pay. Entirely against the run of play, Bristol broke out of defence and hit a killer blow, rounding the keeper to score their fourth. Bristol could count themselves fortunate to score this goal especially considering Swansea's early dominance.

However it was just a further example of the clinical nature of Bristol. The goal appeared to inspire Bristol as they pushed on harder. Only more good goalkeeping stopped Bristol from putting the game out of reach. Swansea had opportunities to get back into the game through the impressive Wardill, but he couldn't convert. The game was as good as over when Bristol eventually scored their fifth, however, again completely against the run of play.

Swansea did get a deserved consolation, a fine solo effort from Stewart Gilson, the second half's most creative outlet on the wing.

The game finished 5-2 to Bristol, and Swansea will go away feeling that they did not do themselves justice in a game where they had the chances to win. Captain Ben Snell confirmed, "We worked really hard as a team, but it just wasn't our day". He went on to say that, despite being disappointed at the way they let their heads go down after the early goals, he was impressed with the way they "came back well in the second half".

It was an unfortunate loss for Swansea, and on another day an unavoidable one. However their lack of composure cost them dear and ended up being the real divison in terms of quality between then teams.

Swansea will go away from this game cursing their luck, but will feel that, on another day, the scoreline could have been very different, and will take positives from the performances of Jack Parri-Hughes and Jonathan Cadoux- Hudson.

If you want to catch some hockey for yourself the women's team and men's 3rds are in action on the 22nd November at the Astro turf pitches at Sketty Lane.

Tom Mooney