University 3rd XI …………………. 1
Medics 1st XI ……………………….. 1
(Medics win on penalties)
After watching a thrilling encounter between Cardiff University LadiesÔÇÖ 2nd XI and the Cardiff Medics 1st XI, which the University comfortably won, it was time for the men to do battle.
A victory for the University 3rd XI would see them remain as CardiffÔÇÖs third-seeded team. A win for the Medics would see them take their place after the long-running dispute with BUCS that was concluded at the start of this season.
The opening 10 minutes were very lively. With both teams struggling to create many chances, however, the Medics settled into a better rhythm and managed to win a highly contested short corner from which they duly scored.
This was met by huge cheers from the crowd, who were enjoying the lovely afternoon. At half time, the score was 1-0 to the Medics, with everything still to play for.
The University benefited from a  much-needed rousing team talk from Jamie Lait, acting as captain in place of the injured Will Jones. Both sides were eager to fight hard for their ranking status under the Cardiff University umbrella for next season.
The second half started a lot brighter for the University, building on the momentum that they began to gain at the end of the first half.
This led to a very well-worked team goal finished sublimely by the 3rd XIÔÇÖs star striker. Both sides continued to throw everything at each other, but both sidesÔÇÖ defence held strong as the game finished at 1-1.
This meant that the large crowd got to see the exciting spectacle of penalty flicks.
After a shocking opening flick from the Medics, the University opened up an early lead with some confident finishes.
However, the shoot-out soon turned on its head with the future of the club resting on one manÔÇÖs shoulders. Tim Palmer was unmoved as he converted a near perfect flick, meaning it went to sudden death.
Up stepped James Croft, who unfortunately couldnÔÇÖt convert under immense pressure. The Medics then took full advantage of the remaining flick, making no mistake to settle the game outright.
Will Jones
photo by Marcus Connolly
Add Comment