South Wales Women’s Hockey League Division Two:
Rhondda 2nds 1
Milford Haven 2

CONSOLIDATING top spot was the order of the day for Milford Haven in Pontypridd- and they did just that with a hard fought 2 -1 win over Rhondda 2nds in wet and wintry conditions.

Emma Summons and co lie two poins clear of Radnor, with both teams having played 12 of their 20 league matches.

Starting with a bare 11 players, the visitors started brightly and it wasn’t long before they took an early lead as Charlotte Davies drove into the D and finished well with a neat shot into the far corner.

Milford continued to set the tempo in the first period and soon found themselves 2-0 up as Jemma Phillips finished a beautifully worked move, slotting the ball past the Rhondda keeper from Rachel Coe’s cross.

Despite several more chances going begging, Milford were indebted to keeper Louise Bellamy who saved brilliantly just before the break, keeping it at 2-0.

With no subs on the sideline, Milford tired in the second half as the rain fell heavily, and the home side hit back with a well-placed shot sneaking inside the post with 20 minutes to go.

As the game wore on the visitors dug deep, restricting Rhondda to only a few half chances, but continued to sit deep as they struggled to maintain any periods of possession and territory.

The last 10 minutes saw Milford pinned back in their own half, but some resolute defending, especially by Player of the Match Meg Evans, and some fine goalkeeping ensured there was no late drama and they returned home with a well deserved three points.

“After last week’s performance it was great to back it up with another win,” said delighted Milford skipper Emma Summons.

“Credit to the girls who got up early and made the long journey and I was very impressed with the way a bare 11 battled  to ensure we came home with the points.”

Milford are back at home this week against Sue Noake, 12pm pushback.

Milford Haven squad: Emma Summons, Louise Bellamy, Vicki John, Kate Farr, Meg Evans, Charlotte Davies, Kacey Arran, Georgia Davies, Rachel Coe, Jemma Phillips, Meg Jones.