The University of South Wales Women’s 1st secured their first league win of the season, holding off a strong second half comeback from Cardiff Metropolitan 4th to win 39-36.
Gail Calford’s USW started the game the stronger of the two sides. Goal attack Abi Meredith netted the first three points in a dominant opening few minutes
The remaining quarter then stayed quite even, with the hosts leading the visitors 14-9. USW’s goal shooter Megan Jones was incredibly threatening in attack, getting eight goals in the first 15 minutes.
The second quarter started with Cardiff Metropolitan causing early pressure for USW, and reducing the deficit to just three points, thanks to their goal shooter and attacker.
However, good link-up play between Jones and Meredith meant they scored 11 points between them in the second quarter, resulting in a 25-18 lead at the halfway stage.
The visitors continued to make inroads into USW’s lead during the third quarter.
The Treforest-based side were only able to find the net four times in third 15-minute period. Meredith scoring three times, with Jones netting the other.
Met scored nine goals in this period to close the gap, five from the goal attack and four from the goal shooter.
The Archers lifted the tempo considerably, a tactic which certainly paid off as they looked to get back into the contest.
This revival set up a mouth-watering finale to the game, in a final quarter where USW would look to hold on to their slender two-goal lead; and Met aimed to complete the comeback.
The latter appeared unlikely, however, as Calford’s side made a strong start to the fourth and final quarter.
Jones and Meredith combined as the hosts scored four of the first six goals to bring the score to 33-29.
This positive start continued, as Meredith added three more goals as USW extended their lead to 38-31.
The Cyncoed-based showed their fighting spirit in the final few minutes of the quarter, scoring five of the last six goals.
The strong start which USW made to the game proved crucial, as they held on for an important victory which should provide a springboard for the rest of the season.
Star Player – Abi Meredith (USW goal attack)
The goal attack was instrumental in providing her side with a fast start, and also keeping them ticking over when the going got tough in the middle period.
She worked well all game with her attacking partner, goal shooter Megan Jones, to lead her side to their first win of the season.
