Following a 10-week fixture-free period, the Cwm Draig Junior Squad resumed their campaign with four matches in eight days at the start of September. A trip to Plymouth to face Devonport Royal was on for the Dragons as they played their fourth game since the summer. The Junior Squad played Devonport Royal in the first match of the 2017 BWWPL season, which resulted in a 23-12 loss. Since then, the Junior Squad has lost a further six consecutive league matches.
First Quarter
Devonport drew first blood when they took the lead after threatening early on into the opening period. The Dragons reacted well with immediate effect through a long-ranged goal from Erin Jones. The early stages of the first quarter were evenly contested as both teams scored another goal apiece, Tarian Vaughan getting himself onto the scoresheet for the Dragons. The home team increased the tempo and intensity of their play, subsequently scoring four goals in quick succession without reply. The Dragons struggled to respond to the sudden change in momentum and Devonport’s clinical finishing. Our Junior Squad had chances to close the gap, but were denied from Southwest side’s shot-stopper. Towards the end of the first 7 minutes of the fixture, they found themselves 6-2 down before Matthew Dean brought the score back to a three-goal deficit.
Second Quarter
The Dragons needed to start this quarter strongly to invigorate a fightback. Devonport sustained their impetus from the first quarter and created opportunities to increase their lead, however, it was our Junior Squad that scored the first goal of this quarter after George Jones capped off a fine move. During the first three minutes of the second quarter, Cwm Draig had three golden opportunities to score, Seren Vaughan executed one of them to bring the team closer to the hosts. After the Dragons scored the first two goals of the second period, Devonport showed some backlash and did the same to regain their three-goal cushion. Devonport's finishing looked to have dipped in this segment of play as they fired their shots to the wrong sides of the posts as well as the intervention of Cwm Draig goalkeeper Meg Jones. Our Junior Squad should have punished the opposition more severely for this uncommonly erroneous phase. Towards the end of the quarter, Erin Jones scored her second goal of the game before Devonport replied with a goal of their own to make the score 9-6 at half-time.
Third Quarter
The third set of 7 minutes commenced with a double-goal salvo from the hosts, granting them some much-needed breathing space. George Jones grabbed his second goal of the match with a shot in the centre before switching goalkeeping duties with Meg Jones for the reminder of the match. As far as the goals were concerned, that is where the action stopped for this quarter. Cwm Draig dictated this period more than their opponents and had opportunities to score with centre, five-metre, action and counter-attacking positions but to no avail as numerous shots were saved and put wide. Devonport were also denied from increasing their goal tally with some misplaced shooting. Interceptions were at their highest in this quarter, as both teams dispossessed each other several times to neutralise any danger. Devonport head a 11-7 lead going into the final quarter – a momentous challenge for Cwm Draig to get anything out of the match from this position.
Fourth Quarter
Devonport were out of the blocks quicker as they looked to put the match beyond doubt. However, a rapid counter-attacking goal, finished by Erin Jones, gave a glimmer of hope for Cwm Draig. The home team then missed the chance to regain their five-goal advantage with two misused attempts, which was quickly followed by the first major of the match committed by the Southwest side – an opportunity to decrease the defect further with a 20-second extra player advantage. The Dragons made the most of the advantage as Tarian Vaughan claimed his second goal of the match. Devonport were then awarded the same opportunity following Matthew Dean and Cwm Draig’s first major of the match, which was scored by the hosts. Erin Jones secured her fourth goal of the match as the Dragons responded instantly to cut Devonport’s lead back to two goals. A tense two minutes ensued, which entailed the Cwm Draig squad getting dispossessed frequently, helping Devonport get nearer to the finish-line. Eventually, the home team exploited the space behind the Dragons who were pushing forward in attempt to make up ground, and scored quick-fire double to put the match out of the Cwm Draig’s grasp with very little time left. Meg Jones, playing outfield at this point, scored a sumptuous goal, before Devonport scored once more. The hosts had two further chances to extend their lead, however, it was Erin Jones who grabbed the final goal of the match and her fifth on the day. The match finished with Devonport as 15-12 winners.
Match Summary
An improved performance from the Dragons, even though they were chasing the match for a significant proportion of proceedings. Our Junior Squad had a stronger foothold on this match compared to the previous seven league fixtures they have played thus far. Another progressive stepping stone for this young, developing squad. The most heartening element of the match was that the team did not capitulate after conceding – they showed endeavour, determination and inner steel to get back into the match. Plenty of encouraging signs from numerous players displayed during this match. In addition, there were some fantastic goals scored today – well-taken and well-worked shots from the Dragons. Overall, pleasing stuff indeed. Devonport Royal 15-12 Cwm Draig.
Analysis
The more experience, match fitness and confidence these youthful set of players get, the more effectively they shall perform. The data collated from the performance analysis suggests that we are more effective when we have that composure, vision, awareness and competence – hence, when we take more time and possession to organise an attack, as opposed to scoring as quick as possible. We converted 50% of our shots in five-metre positions, 80% of our shots in centre positions and 100% of our opportunities with the extra player advantage, which signifies that we are quite efficient when we play with structure. Our action shots and counter-attacking shots, which are typically executed in a speedy, expeditious manner, have a conversion rate of under 30%. Based on this analysis, it is urged for the Junior Squad to be more patient and take more time to settle and organise attacks for better success rates.
This chart signifies the amount of times Devonport scored (solid bar) and failed to convert (striped bar) with each type of shot. In addition, the colour of the bar indicates which quarter each shot was taken in.
This chart signifies the amount of times Cwm Draig scored (solid bar) and failed to convert (striped bar) with each type of shot. In addition, the colour of the bar indicates which quarter each shot was executed.
This chart represents the whole of Devonport's shooting during the match. For example, out of all the shots Devonport executed (31 shots), 26% of those shots were Unconverted Action Shots and 6% consisted of Converted Counter Attack Shots.
This chart represents the whole of Cwm Draig's shooting during the match. For example, out of all the shots Cwm Draig executed (27 shots), 4% of those shots were Unconverted Centre Shots and 11% consisted of Converted 5m Shots.
Team: Meg Jones (1/GK), George Jones (2), Matthew Dean (3), Tarian Vaughan (4), Erin Jones (5), Seren Vaughan (7), Emma Eveson (9), Jo-Jo Chesworth-Rickards (10), Seren Geary (11).
Goal scorers: Erin Jones (5), George Jones (2), Tarian Vaughan (2), Matthew Dean (1), Seren Vaughan (1), Meg Jones (1).
Major foul receivers: Matthew Dean (1).