Cardiff University - 3

WITH the Abergavenny pitch rendered unsuitable for hockey, the town team travelled to Cwmbran for the second time in as many weeks to entertain a young University team.

After last weeks disappointing result on this pitch, Aber were looking for a more positive performance, and this was immediately forthcoming from the off.

Good Abergavenny pressure from Alex Mac and Huw Davies in midfield, and the strong presence of Tom O Leary and Tony Clements up front saw the University side unable to string a series of passes together, and it was always going to be Aber that scored the first goal.

Latching onto a ball cleared from the defence, Clements was able to work the ball into the net for the town in open play.

At a goal down, the visitors were at last able to start stringing the passes together, and with a decent pair of centre midfield players, the pressure soon started to tell at the back.

Pete Hewinson, as ever was excellent with well timed and accurate interceptions, but a flanking move on the right, ensured that 'keeper and captain Pete Bartlett had no chance to prevent the Cardiff goal.

Abergavenny had the next strike, with what was to be the best move of the match.

Played from defence to Alex Mac, a pass to Clements allowed the stiker time and space on the ball.

With two defenders to beat, Clements made a skilled pass to a well positioned O'Leary on the right hand side.

O' leary sprinted to the bye line, and in a completely unselfish move, passed past the keeper to allow Clements a decent tap in.

Despite a five minute spell of Aber pressure early in the second-half, the Cardiff team were able to sneak around the back of the Abergavenny defence for a well taken goal.

With backs to the wall, Aber defended stoutly against a tide of Cardiff attacks, with Tom Johnstone and John Meredith being singled out for praise, but despite defending many short corners well, it was inevitable that one go in, to leave the visitors in the ascendancy.

Perhaps the highlight of the second half was a gloriously lifted ball down the full length of the pitch for striker Clements to run onto, and perhaps he should have scored from this excellent opportunity.

However it was the battling determination of Chris Bu, and Clements who finally got the equaliser, after a good break down the right hand side.

With five minutes to go, the visitors applied all the pressure, but good saves from Bartlett, and excellent defensive work from Meredith and Johnstone saved the day, and the points for a respectable, and on balance, fair draw.

Next week sees the town team visit old favourites Whitchurch, which once again will be an interesting challenge.