By Luke Hawkins and Adam Cleary
UNIVERSITY of Bristol condemned University of South Wales to a heavy 46-3 defeat at the USW Sport Park.
Goal-shooter Sophie Rogers put in an impressive display to help the away side to a resounding victory on their travels.
Despite an early score by USW with two minutes on the clock, Bristol were able to maintain possession high up the court.
The away side were able to keep their passing fluid when they got near the goal circle with Rogers and goal-attack Bella Knott linking up well. Good attacking movement and accuracy of passing made the pair effective and Rogers was very calm when taking her chances.
USW hit the rim of the goal four times inside the first quarter and their frustration began to tell as they ended the first quarter trailing 14-1.
The second quarter followed much the same pattern as the first, with the home side scoring two early goals and looking dangerous on the counter-attack.
Bristol maintained possession and notched up 10 goals in quick succession to lead 28-3 at half-time.
USW had a mountain to climb and came out for the second-half hoping just to claw back the deficit. They began reasonably well, with Bristol struggling for possession in the early stages of the third quarter.
However, USW’s hopes of an unlikely comeback took a blow when Bristol’s Rogers made the most of a sustained period of pressure and grabbed the first goal of the third quarter.
Rogers and Knott continued to cause the USW defence problems and the duo were able to capitalise, both adding to the scoreline to seal a 46-3 victory.
USW’s captain Katie Jones said: “Our communication was a major contributing factor to the defeat and crowding in key areas caused us to to miss opportunities.”
Bristol captain Sophie James said: “I was delighted to get our first win of the season with a new group and was very impressed with the shooting from Bella and Sophie.”
