After 40 minutes of hockey at the County Final on November 30th, Howell’s and Glantaf could not be separated so they met again on Monday 18th December to find a winner. In front of many Hockey Wales representatives and parents, the two teams played out an enthralling County Final Replay at Glantaf that proved to be a great advert for school hockey in South Wales. After a series of opening exchanges, it was Glantaf who took the lead, pouncing on a good initial save by Ffion H and rebounding the ball into an empty goal to make it 1-0. Glantaf continued to control the game in the first half, but thanks to great defending by Annabelle W, Robyn D, Georgia M-P and Maisie R, were unable to extend the scoring. Sophie S and Katie G were doing well to create width for Howell’s, but any attacks were dealt with very well by the opposing defence, making it very difficult for Ffion M and Sophie E up front. The second half started very brightly for Howell’s, with Lily R and Charlotte J managing to get into more advanced positions. Lily R, who worked tirelessly throughout, did well to win the first penalty corner. After two more infringements in the attacking D, it was Charlotte J who expertly dispatched the third corner to even the scores up at 1-1. With confidence now lifted, Howell’s looked a lot more determined and came close on a few more occasions. Jess B, Alicia L were now providing the team with good height and more of an attacking threat. Glantaf worked their way back into the game well, earning a few more penalty corners. Again, thanks to great defending, particularly by sisters Evie O and Tiegan O, and some fantastic goalkeeping, Howell’s were able to keep the score at 1-1. After another 50 minutes of hockey (90 minutes overall), the scores were still level so penalty shuffles were required to determine a county champion. It was the goalkeeping that shone in the shootout, with the home side converting the only successful penalty out of nine. Glantaf were crowned County Champions and will progress to the National Final in March. It was a hugely impressive performance from both teams, and Howell’s U18 should be very proud of what they have achieved this term.
Match 1: 0-0
Match 2: 1-1 (Glantaf advance to national final after penalties)
The team:
Ffion H (GK), Robyn D, Annabelle W, Georgia M-P, Tiegan O, Maisie R, Charlotte J (C), Lily R, Sophie S, Evie O, Katie G, Ffion M, Alicia L, Sophie E, Jess B