Western powers Barry to victory (From Barry And District News)

Western powers Barry to victory

Barry Ladies 4 Whitchurch 2

BARRY Ladies hockey team consolidated their position in the top flight of Welsh women's hockey with a good win over Whitchurch at the weekend.

In the first half, Barry totally dominated the game, keeping the Saints goal under attack.

The opening goal came from a combined effort close to the Saints' goal line, with Sam Preen finally getting the ball into the net.

This was quickly followed by yet another goal from Barry's highest -coring forward Ceri Western.

Then, shortly before half time, Barry went further ahead when a shot at goal from Michelle Hunt was deflected into the goal by a Saints defender.

After the break, Barry made some positional changes and some substitutions.

Unfortunately, before the players had time to settle, Whitchurch Saints had scored as a result of a quick break by their forwards.

From Barry's point of view, worse was to follow. The Saints were now encamped in Barry's half and had soon increased their score with another goal.

For a short period it seemed that Barry were going to let a game slip from their grasp by allowing the opposition to draw level.

It was left yet again to Western to finally put the game beyond doubt. Picking the ball up on the half-way line she passed several defenders to hit the ball past a bemused Saints 'keeper. This was probably her best goal of the season and one of the most important for her team.

Two other players who deserve special mention for the standard of their play were Bethan Owens who did everything but score, and Sally Raith who made some important interceptions in defence.

This win helps to increase Barry's League points keeping them in the middle of their division.