South Wales Women’s Hockey League Division 1: Milford Haven 3-0 Bridgend

It will be Division 1 hockey again for Milford Haven next season after they saved their best til last and beat Brecon on Saturday.

The side knew a win in this game would secure survival, but they had to face a strong Bridgend team who are lying in mid table. 

From the start Milford knew they needed to score first to put pressure on the visitors and there was end to end hockey.

After 20 minutes it was Milford’s Charlotte Davies, playing out of her skin, that caused the Bridgend defence to fault in their D awarding the home team a short corner from which Meg Evans delivered the ball to captain Rachel Coe, and she was able to get a good strike in and give her side the leader.

Milford knew this wasn’t over by a long way and still had to fight hard to keep the lead as Bridgend were making chances well but the home defence and goal keeper managed to keep them at bay. With five minutes to go until half time Bridgend were forced to fault again awarding Milford another short corner, and again Evans delivered to Coe who made it 2-0 going into half time.

A sterling half time team talk by captain Coe ensured her side came out determined to keep their lead with a big 35 minutes in front of them. Both Megan Jones and Lucy Mackintosh had chances at the beginning on the second half as Milford continued to attack.

Bridgend were also awarded three consecutive short corners but again the defence of Evans, Kate Farr, Vicki John and  Emma Summons dug deep.

With 15 minutes to go Milford were awarded a free hit, and Davies found Jemma Phillips in the D who placed the ball passed the keeper to make it 3-0.

The next 20 minutes saw Bridgend fighting for a goal but every member of the Milford team worked hard and the home side came away with a fine victory.

Coe said afterwards: “I was so proud of the team today it was by far our best game of the season, every player gave 100% and we worked together and played some superb hockey.

“We look forward in anticipation to next season in this Division 1. All the youngsters will have learned from the hard season we’ve had - but onwards and upwards to next year.”

The player of the match was given jointly to the whole side!

Milford: Emilie Zatac (GK), Meg Evans, Vicki John, Kate Farr, Alice Wonnacott, Cerys Jones, Charlotte Davies, Emma Summons, Georgia Davies, Jemma Phillips, Kacey Arran, Lucy Mackintosh, Megan Jones, Rachel Coe.