At the USW Sport Park on Wednesday, Hartpury secured a second win in one afternoon over the University of South Wales as their Women’s 1sts follow the lead of their 2nds and win in Treforest. USW’s efforts to avenge their 71-23 drubbing in the return fixture in October proved useless as Hartpury’s attackers put them to the sword.
Hartpury began the cross-border encounter in fine form outscoring USW by 15 goals to 4, eleven of which from goal shooter, Amber Gardener. The home side had plenty of opportunities but their attackers failed to convert a number of opportunities at goal. On the contrary, Hartpury’s attacking duo of Gardner and Goal-Attack Sophie Margetts were ruthless within the D. All of USW’s points in the first quarter came from Abigail Meredith, with fellow attacker Natasha Cowell failing to land any shots at goal.
The second quarter saw USW introduce sharpshooter Megan Jones as goal-shoot, with Meredith becoming goal attack and Cowell dropping to the bench. Jones and Meredith managed 5 goals between them in the second quarter to take their total to 9 for the half. Hartpury’s dangerous duo had been at it again in this quarter with Gardner and Margetts landing 9 and 7 goals respectively to give them a commanding 31-9 lead at half-time.
USW’s attack came to life after the break, more fluidity in their moves allowed Cowell to make up for drawing blanks in the first quarter, by scoring 4 goals., including a stunning one-handed take and shot whilst off balance. Jones also managed to net 2 in the third period. However, Hartpury again showed their class and proved why they are top of the BUCS Western Division 3, Division 2. Gardner was the leading scorer of the quarter yet again, this time scoring 7. Combined with Margetts contribution of 3 goals, Hartpury lead the Welsh side 41-15 going into the final quarter.
Hartpury continued their dominance to the final whistle to win the game 51 goals to 21 with further goals from Margetts and that women again Gardner who finished the game with tally’s of 14 and 35. Jones and Cowell landed 6 goals between them as a consolation to the delight of the sizable crowd that had gathered but fell to another defeat to Hartpury who were no doubt the better team.
The Gloucestershire side will now face Bristol University 4ths at home next Wednesday whilst USW make the short trip to the Talybont Sports Centre to clash with Cardiff University 4ths. Hartpury will be extremely confident of securing the league title in the coming weeks whilst USW will be looking to finish a largely successful season with a flourish.
Haydn Evans 