Pembs. travelled to Whitchurch this weekend without midfielder Tim Lounds, centre back Andy Stear and fullback Sean Irving who were unavailable due to illness. With Huw Hannaford coming back, but not completely over a virus, the team was a shadow of the side that played County last weekend.

Unfortunately, Pembs. were to encounter a Whitchurch side that was packed with stars of yesteryear. Having picked up several new players over the Christmas break, Whitchurch were able to field a completely different team to that which came down to Pembrokeshire at the beginning of the season.

A mix up in defence right from the start saw Whitchurch go ahead with an easy goal. This was soon followed by a second that again came from some slack marking in the midfield. Fordham came close to getting one back for Pembs. when a move down the right starting with Thomas through Kendrick and Smith saw Fordham's attempt just squeeze past the upright.

A scything tackle on Wheeler saw one of the Whitchurch players sent off for 10 minutes, but even against 10 men, Pembs. were unable to break down the strong Whitchurch defence.

Two-nil down at half-time and Pembs. made some re-arrangements to the positions for the second-half. Woods, back in his familiar role on the right, beat the defensive half-back several times to set up Smith and Kendrick.

It was Hannaford who struck a Whitchurch clearance from the left edge of the circle that brought the Pembs. goal hitting the backboard with some venom.

Further attacks, with Fordham breaking through from midfield, resulted in a string of short corners being awarded to Pembs. Early breaking by the Whitchurch defence three times on one short corner brought a warning from the umpire, but Pembs. were unable to make the pressure pay with the Whitchurch goalie giving an excellent display.

Pembs. goalie, Miller, had made several excellent saves through the second-half only to be beaten for a third time by a goal in the last 10 minutes which came as Pembs. pressed for the equaliser.

With UWIC beating Bridgend, Pembrokeshire HC is still in second spot with County closing the gap in third.

Team: D. Miller, D. Ferguson, B. Minney, H. Hannaford, S. Moseley, N. Thomas, B. Wheeler, R. Woods, S. Kendrick, I. Fordham, J. Smith. Umpires - Jane Wheeler, Mike Cleverly.

Next weekend, Pembs. HC 1st XI are home to Cardiff Medics, 2.30 pm start at Pembrokeshire Sports Centre.

Pembs. HC 2nd XI is away to Cardiff HC.

Mixed fortunes for Tenby Ladies

Tenby Ladies hockey team played their first league match after a considerable break, having played the previous week in the Welsh Shield against Llanfair Caereinion, which was a good match of equal ability and chances.

Although Tenby acquired a lot of the attacking play, they failed to score, with the visitors winning by a goal scored in the last couple of minutes.

The game against Crymych at Milford started positively, with Tenby forwards Kate, Mandy, and Lucy stringing together good passes and Pauline working well, bringing the ball up the left side of the pitch.

Several short corners were created, with a number of good crosses, but Crymych, as strong as ever in defence, stopped the onslaught.

A short corner to Barney was capitalised on by Mandy, resulting in a great strike into the back of the goal.

Play continued with determined effort from both sides. The hard work from Jude, Jules and Barney paid off when Kate struck a powerful shot, bringing the score to 2-0 at half-time.

The second half started with Lucy making an impressive run down the wing. This was stopped and cleared by Crymych, who then broke through, but skilful 'channelling' from Michelle stopped them in their tracks.

Further attempts were made, with Jules and Judy closing down the opposition and Annie making some excellent saves.

Crymych kept the pressure on, with Sarah defending well. Short accurate passes between Jude, Kate, Barney and Lucy took the play upfield to Jules, whose individual effort created a good strike which went just wide of its target.

The remainder of the game continued end to end, with equal pressure from both teams.

The final whistle blew at the point of a short corner, which was played, but Crymych failed to score.

Many thanks to the loyal supporters and sponsors.

Team: Annie Lindsell, Michelle Johns, Judy Cokell, Jean Campbell, Pauline Roberts, Mandy Lewis, Julie Jones, Yvonne Squire, Jude Roberts, Kate Morris, Lucy Higgon, Sarah Cooper.