By Ethan Harris
USW are still waiting for their first win of the BUCS men’s hockey season after a chastening 6–0 defeat to Cardiff University 2nds in Western Tier 2B.
A hat–trick from away captain Finley Craigen, as well as efforts from Alfio Boccaccini, Jonny Wilkinson and Ed Cooper, took the game away from the hosts, who will nonetheless be pleased with the spirit they showed throughout over a technically superior opposition.
Promotion from Tier 3B meant a step up in quality for USW, evident in their opening 11–1 defeat to Cardiff Mets 2nds.
They made two changes coming into this one, with James Johnson replacing Andrew Sutton in midfield and Owain Hoe coming into the side up front.
Early on, Hoe and Zac Price caused issues for Cardiff, probing Theo Sanders in net within the first 10 minutes.
But the talismanic presence of Craigen was responsible for the game’s opener, after he took advantage of a penalty corner to smash an effort into the lower left corner.
Opposite shot-stopper Tomos Rodgers was called into action before the half–time whistle, denying Wilkinson from doubling the lead.
But it was merely staving off the inevitable, as Craigen added to his tally with a well–taken shot from close–range.
In truth, Cardiff blew their rivals away in the second period, with Boccaccini taking advantage of Rodgers’ mishandling of the ball to extend the deficit.
Pic: Ed Bregua
The persistent attack of the visitors eventually led to another, with Wilkinson converting a shot between the posts to prop up the scoreline.
USW ran out of road from there, and Ed Cooper brushed his first for Cardiff past a static Reds defence.
Craigen completed his hat–trick late on with a composed effort through the legs of the hosts’ rearguard.
Defeat leaves USW bottom of the league ahead of next week’s trip to Cardiff 3rds.