CRICKHOWELL PANTHERS GIRLS JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB: Panthers Newsbitz

The Season started amongst the usual excitment and nervous energy last Sunday 6th Sept. for both Panthers teams - Under 12s and the Under 16s in the South Wales Girls League.

The Under 12s in their first competitive season were away at Abetyswwg whilst the Under 16s were at home to arch rivals Mardy Tigers - nice gentle start to the season.......lol.

The U12s sporting their new kit played their two matches with great committment and skill, even though missing some key players, performed well winning both matches. Their young age (average 10) proving no barrier to their competitive spirit.

The U16s, unfortunately were outplayed and outclassed by Mardy, who looked slick, pacey, confident and looked as though they'd been playing well into the season all ready. Second half saw a big improvement by the Panthers as they began to get to know eachother (first competitive match together) and there was room for optimism as the passing and movement began to come together in areas. Probably 3rd or 4th match should see the team settled once they've all got to know each other as well as the play style...... watch this space.

UNDER 11s

Most Improved Player         = Megan Rowlands

Team Player                        = Emily Grace Williams

Coaches Award                    = Grace Thomas Parr

Top Goal Scorer                  = Grace Thomas Parr

Coaches Awards                   = Rhiannon Chamberlain, Chloe Chivers, Jodie Buck

Players Player of the Year    = Chloe Chivers

UNDER 14s

Most improved Player          = Tiana Cook

Team Player                        = Mali Summers

Coaches Award                    = Shannon Cannan

Top Goal Scorer                  = Niaomi Cook

Players Player of the Year    = Shannon Cannan

Special Award - Panther Family of the Year - The Jenkins Family (Mark, Angela,  Sophie  &  Beth Jenkins).

UNDER 16s

Most Improved Player            = Stacie Gardner

Team Player                          = Harriet Davies

Coaches Award                      = Holly Perry

Top Goal Scorer                    = Hattie Powell

Players Player of the Year     = Megan Purvis

CONGRATULATIONS TO THEM ALL.

Our U16s secured the League Runners up spot despite the last league match loss to Cardiff last weekend. A gutsy performance from every Panther and despite  being down to 10 players after 10 minutes following a wrenching tackle by a Cardiff defender on Sophie Jones. Sophie was carried off (and after a hospital X-ray gave the all clear) was able to walk again 2 days later......................

Despite the on and off field intimidation the Panthers played some good football and all can be very proud of themselves, as we are of them. We have to remember our principles (which is hard at times I know) and as stated in the Club Constitution, to play the game in the spirit of both the law and intention and with good sportsmanship.

Only one League loss all season is an excellent performance - Well done Panthers.

2008/9 League Squad: Harris, Baynton, Meredith, Purvis, Tucker, Jones, French, Evans, Perry, Davies, Powell, Lewis, Gardner, Dixon.

Another sterling set of performances from the Panthers teams at this years Powys Easter Festival in Brecon:-

 The 1994s (U15s) finished Runners Up after narrowly losing 0-1 to Llanidloes in the deciding match, despite having much of the ball and the Llany are under constant attack, we couldn't get it in!  But, well done girls!

The 1995s (U14s) had a below par festival after coming off the recent U14 Gwent League Cup final victory. Drawing the opening two matches made it difficult and with the unlucky loss against local rivals Mardy Tigers really sealed their fate. Despite this though they finished on a high with a 7-0 demolition of Newtown.

Both of our 1998s (U11s) teams had a tremendous festival, meeting each other in the deciding match. Both teams played with great spirit and skill throughout and deserved their victories. Unfortunately both couldn't win and in the Inter-Panther final the 'Blacks' narrowly beat the 'Whites' 2-1. So the 1998s were both Runners Up and Champions!!!!!.

Well done to all of the players, parents and coaches who helped make a great day possible.

Many congratulations to Hattie Powell who has just been awarded her first Under 16 International Cap when she played for Wales in the recent International comptetion in Ireland. I'm sure that this is the first of many for Hattie who's been with the club since it's start in 2003 and looking around at the talent amongst our teams, I'm sure as well that other players could reach the same heights as Hattie. Excellent role model Hattie for the younger players and here's to your future International career.

PANTHERS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.

NDGL LEAGUE CUP FINAL, NEWPORT STADIUM, SUNDAY 29^th MARCH.

ABERTYSWWG ANGELS 0-1 CRICKHOWELL PANTHERS

With several hundred supporters, banners, flags and lots of noise both teams were led out onto the grass of Newport Stadium by their respective captains into glorious sunshine. Each player was then introduced in line by their captain to the Mayor of the City, as you would expect at the highest senior level of the game.

This must have been daunting for both sets of players as they would have never experienced playing in such a venue before and especially with the noise from the stands, pressure indeed but what an occasion.

With the wind beginning to whip up the match kicked off in the sunshine. From the start the Panthers had much of the early possession and made several probing moves down the wings. The Angels, with a well experienced defensive unit held firm and themselves attempted to counter attack down the centre with their pace and strength.

Neither keeper had much to do in the opening quarter as the teams parried each other in the midfield, but an attack down the left wing led to a low cross which the Angels cleared for it only to be launched back in by the Panthers midfield. Again it was cleared by a long header out to the feet of Lewis, playing on the right wing. She lifted the ball from the edge of the area toward the goal and although the keeper got a hand to the power and height took the ball into the net.

The place erupted.

From the restart the Panthers continued the momentum looking for the second to ease the nerves. Attacks down the wings continued but the Angels defence were solid and the narrow lead was taken into the Panthers dressing room at half time. Team Manager Summers made three substitutions to ensure that the whole squad had an opportunity to play in this final. The wind was now much stronger and now against the Panthers as the teams emerged out onto the Newport Stadium pitch for the second half.

The Angels took the early initiative as they looked for the equaliser and with sustained pressure, D’Arcy the Panthers keeper, was called upon several times to make the saves. The pressure continued to build but the Panthers defence, led by Cannan their very vocal Captain reduced the Angels to long range shots. Several of these came close and the groans and shouts from the Angels fans steadily built as the time ticked on. But the Panthers held and started to counter attack as the Angels began to falter. Barrell on the Panthers wing sent a blistering shot from a wide angle a metre over the bar after some clever play between her and Jones to create the half chance.

Niaomi Cook dribbled her way through the Angels centre beating three players, into the area and about the launch the strike to seal the match when she was brought down.

The ref (who also had a good game) signalled that it was a fair shoulder charge and play continued, much to the groans of the Panthers Fans.

The cut and thrust continued until the final whistle and again the place erupted!

The players shook hands and a formal presentation of individual trophies and the League Cup from the Mayor followed, as well as the photo calls and celebratory antics. Conmiserations to the Angels who fought bravely, it could have gone the other way on the day with no side with total dominance, but congratulations to the Crickhowell Panthers players, Manger, Coaches and supporters who made it a great day for the Club.

Congratulations also to the Newport & District Girls League who certainly put on a very impressive show, from the Stadium, organisation, dignatories and trophies. I’m so glad that the actual Final produced such an entertaining game in such a venue and on such an occasion – the players will never forget that experience.

Manager – Stuart Summers

Coaches – Jim D’Arcy, Ellan Sims.

Team – Hannah D’Arcy, Emma Stephens, Tiana Cook, Niaomi Cook, Shannon Cannan (Capt), Beth Jenkins, Sophie Jenkins, Abbie Jones, Rebecca Wrigley, Charlotte Barrell, Alice Baynton, Rebecca Sims, Mali Summers, Sian Lewis (1), Pheobe Davies.

Pictured with Panthers Under 11 ball girls on the day – Emily Grace, Yasmin Gillgrass and Grace Parr-Thomas.

For full details see 'Match Reports'.

L2R BACK - Baynton/Wrigley/Lewis/Davies/Summers/N.Cook/Cannan/Barrell

L2R FRONT - B.Jenkins/Fryer/S.Jenkins/Jones/Stephens/T.Cook/Simms

Foreground - D'Arcy (Keeper) 

The rain held off and allowed the girls, mums, dads and other various family members to play in a series of footie matches in some lovely but rare sunshine. In between the burgers, sausages and ice pops the Under 14s drew 0-0 with the Under 16s, the Parents beat the Under 14s 2-0, beat the Under 16s 1-0, lost to the Under 10s 2-1 and drew with the Under 12s 1-1.  The final match saw the 'boys' beat the 'girls' 2-1 on the golden goal.

After various talks from the coaches about the season and a slide show with pictures past and present, we got down to the all important awards:-

The Under 10s each had an award for their achievements and effort throughout the season.

The Under 12s and Under 14s were presented with their League Runners Up trophies.

Most Improved Players; Emma Stephens (U12s), Angharad Meredith (U14s), Kelly Plumley (U16s) 

Coaches Awards; Rhiannon Chamberlain (U10s), Holly Perry (U14s), Alice Baynton (U14s) 

Top Goal Scorers; Sian Lewis & Mali Summers (U12s), Hannah Lewis & Hattie Powell (U14s) ,Katrina French (U16s)

 Goalkeeper Awards; Rhianna Lewis (U10s), Hannah D'Arcy (U12s), Kodie Baynton (U14s),  Charlotte Harris (U16s) 

PLAYERS PLAYER OF THE YEAR:  Pheobe Davies (U12s) Defender ,Harriet Davies (U14s) Right Winger ,Kirsty Wiliams (U16s) Defender

Well done to all of the players for their season's hard work, parents for their continued support and the Coaches who make it all possible. Also well done to the huge number of parents, players and families who attended and made it such an enjoyable afternoon.

By entering 4 teams (2 Under 13s and 2 Under 16s) into the Llanybydder Girls Festival, the plan was simply to let the players play. Being the last set on matches for the season it was an ideal opportunity to let the players old and new, get to know each other. It was also a good run out for the players going to Holland in late July. The idea was to let the players loose and enjoy and not knowing this Festival (1st year that we've been) we didn;t know what to expect either from the opposition or our own players...too be honest.

As it was, both Under 13 teams both reached the Semi Finals where, would you believe, they faced each other. The 'Silver' Panthers (Under Jim) had topped their group  and Stuart's 'Black' Panthers finished Runners up in theirs with only a single loss. In the end , after a close fought match, Jim's 'Silvers' clinched a 2-1 win and progressed to the final where they were out played by a Swansea team who they'd drawn against in the opening match. Runners up and Semi Finalists both teams though, a pleasant surprise !!

The Silvers collected their trophies as well as Jim and Niaomi Cook was announced as the Under 13 MVP of the whole Tournament (Most Valuable Player). Well done Niaomi, and she collected another even bigger trophy.

The Under 16s teams did almost as well, one the'Greys' getting to the semi final where they narrowly lost 1-0 to the eventual winners and the 'whites' getting close but had their revenge when they beat the greys 2-1 in the group matches. In in all, it was a satisfactory performance, with new players bedding in, some players scoring their first competitive goals and all having smiles and a good time, despite the weather which was atrocious most of the day with driving rain.

The Crickhowell Panthers Girls Junior FC entered three teams into the annual Hereford 7 aside tournament last weekend. This was the first  time that we’d  ever entered so didn’t know what to expect in terms of opposition and we quickly realised that we were the only Welsh Club there. Our pride and will to do well was probably a bit more focused because of this and knew that the experience in tough SouthWales Girls League had both sharpened us and built our self confidence having done so well over the past two seasons.

            Our three teams, Under 10, Under 12 and Under 14s made camp on Widemarsh Common with both the Club and Welsh flag flying high.

            The Under 10s commenced battle first and donning their new white and black sponsored strip took to the field somewhat nervously against one of the Hereford sides. Within a few minutes of kick off though the nerves quickly evaporated as the passing and movement between the midfield and strikers quickly opened up the opposition.

The return of Morris up front along with the two new signings, Gillgrass and Chivers, along with the on form Chamberlain and King in midfield totally dominated the play and the match ended up a 7-0 romp to the Panthers. They continued to battle hard and won two of the three following matches, only losing one to a last minute fluke goal. Having finished top ofthe table they then played the Runners Up in the Final and it happened to be the same Hereford side that had just sneaked a narrow win against them earlier. Coach Phil Harrhy got his players charged up and within a few moments of the match starting it was clear that there was ever only going to be one winner.

Frost and A.Harrhy combined well in defence, Russell, Mogg stood their ground in the midfield and the team creativity was superb, running out 5-0 winners.

            The team collected their trophies and Cup and were both delighted and surprised to be doing so. First blood the Welsh.

The Under 12s took to the field facing mighty Gloucester City FC, one of the largest and strongest Clubs in the area. This was always going to be a tough one for the players of rural Crickhowell to contest, but again, with confidence and experience high after finishing the League in Runners Up spot they knew how to battle. Bolstered by arrival of new signings the Jenkins sisters the Panthers immediately got after them.

It was fast and end to end and Panthers keeper D’Arcy made several outstanding saves to keep the team in the game. The pressure on the Gloucester goal started to build mid way through the second half as their efforts started to flounder on the defence of B.Jenkins, Thomas and Stephens. Grainger and Stahl played well in midfield along side Summers in the centre and  it was she who supplied the driven corner kick that Tucker half volleyed low into the corner of the net. The Panthers were ecstatic but Gloucester were stunned. The Panthers then did well to keep pocession that saw the match out.

            The Under 12s then went on to beat Ledbury and Golden Valley but lost 1-0 to Hereford Vixens. This placed them second in the table and drawn against the other group winners Pegasus in the Semi Final.  Coaches Stuart Summers and Jim D’Arcy again rallied the team to face this well fancied and large Club and it was a very closely fought contest. No team dominated but it took a long midfield pass two minutes from time to split the Pegasus defence that allowed S.Jenkins to run at goal.

With pace she drew the keeper to the left and placed the ball just inside the post to the right, pure strikers finish. With the opposition no time to recover, the Panthers were in the Final.

            They faced Hereford Vixens again who narrowly beat them 1-0 earlier in the league stage and once again it was a very closely fought game. In the end the Vixens came out 1-0 winners and on the balance of play deserved their win but we had our chances and ran them very close. The Runners Up trophies were presented and although the Panthers hadn’t won the Final they’d certainly despatched some big names en route and in the process had done themselves very proud.

The Under 14s played last and had a lot to live up to after the earlier exploits of their younger Club teams. They opened their campaign  with a 2-1 win over Pegasus, sealing the double over that Club and then comfortably beat two Hereford sides.

The signs were good and if they could keep playing their high tempo passing game they knew that they’d cause problems for even the best teams. Having won their group they then faced the hosts (Hereford Lads Club) inthe Semi Final. Hereford were a physical side but the League had toughed the Panthers up and the passing game through Dixon, Wrigley and Lewis in midfield were creating Hereford problems.

            Occasional high speculative shots were dealt with admirably by Barrell, Purvis and Perry at the back with A.Baynton up front continually hassling the Hereford defenders. The breakthrough came from Powell’s free kick just outside the area  that rocketed through the wall just before the break. She added another in the second half to seal the victory over the Home team and previous winners.

            The Final was against Wellington and they came also not having lost in the earlier rounds, so it was always going to be a tightly contested match. It was end to end stuff and Panthers keeper K.Baynton had a lot more to do than in the earlier games.

Panthers scored first midway through the first half, again from a free kick.

Wellington then came back second half for the equaliser and they changed strategy and floated high balls up for their striker to head / run on to, cutting out the Panthers midfield. It worked, with only a few minutes togo the Wellington striker managed to get her head to it and powerfully netted it to put the Final into extra time. It was a tense time as the Panthers midfield again started to turn the screw. Holding and releasing the ball well,a cleverly worked turn and pass released Powell just outside the area who then calmly through traffic placed the ball with power into the bottom left corner of the net with a low drive. That was the winner and the Panthers kept the ball well to deny any riposte.  Again with trophies and Winners Cup presented we folded away the flags and made our way across the border, tired but victorious.

Well, it was a stunning afternoons performance from all three teams. We’d never of dreamt that we’d end up winning two of the three and coming so close as Runners Up in the other age group. It just shows the depth  of talent that resides in the 75 registered players of the Club and all from the rurality of Crickhowell and its surrounds. As Under 14s Coach Lee Powell suggested ‘After today’s performance we’d probably not be invited back again after giving the English such a bloody nose…..’ we’ll wait and see.

Another cracking League season ends for the Under 14s as they comfortably finish as Runners Up. Having beaten off Georgetown's challenge a few weeks ago all eyes were on Mardy Tigers who had to win their remaining 4 games to secure the top spot and having to play the Panthers twice in the last remaining matches of the season, it was a hard call.

Fair play to the Tigers, they did what was neccessary and won their remaining matches (bar one) and secured the Championship with a 4 point cushion in the end. Congratulations again to them, they're certainly the team to beat..........and that we did!

The Panthers played the Tigers away four weeks ago and lost 4-2, after opening and closing the scoring, but a 12 minute lapse and the rampant Tigers put 4 passed us. But it could have been very different had the any of the near misses and any of the two post rattling goal efforts gone in, all happening when we were in the lead.........could've sealed the match. They certainly knew that they were lucky (comment from Tigers Coach).

The return Home bout was the last match of the season 2 weeks ago. Mardy took a first half lead and Panthers had to defend well as the Tigers pushed all half for the killer goals. Second half the Panthers came out battling and pulled the equaliser back from a Lewis half volley driven from a Perry corner. With spirits lifted the Panthers continued to push the Tigers back, it was a cracking game to watch...especially for a neutral ! Some end to end exchanges, some top saves from Panthers keeper Baynton and the final blow 10 minutes from the end with another shot from Lewis finding it's way through bodies in the area and hitting the net. The Panthers then defended well to fustrate the opposition and had some chances to make it a more comfortable margin, but in the end 2-1 to the Panthers.

 A deserved win and good all round team performance. The Panthers only lost 1 match all season in the League...to the Mardy Tigers, the Mardy Tigers only lost 1 in the League as well.... to the Panthers...touche!    The Panthers were the only team to beat Mardy all season in all competitions, high praise for Mardy certainly, but equally to the Panther lasses to inflict obvious pain to them, being local rivals as well !!

Three fine wins over Academy rivals from Aberystwyth, South Ceredigion and Mid & North Powys left the Panthers clear winners in this prestigious event today. The team played some exciting and excellent one touch football and were quite solid at the back (only conceding one goal all day). The players deserved their wins and overall Champion status and we all had some good fun as well.  Some of us later went out for a celebratory Maccy D meal where we won some additional grub as well.......just our lucky day.  It was a long day with over 3.5 hours in the car and bar some travel sickness it was all very much worth it!  

WELL DONE PANTHERS......................... 

 Team L2R back - Barrell / Powell / Wrigley / Meredith / Cannan / Perry

               Front -  Purvis / A.Baynton / Lewis / K.Baynton

It’s been quite a week for the Crickhowell Panthers Junior Girls Football Club.

For the first time the Club was nominated for the Junior Sports Club of the Year 2008 and at the prestigious awards evening held atTheatr Brycheiniog, Brecon a number of players in their Club shirts went up tocollect the Runners Up award. Not a bad start to the week.

Then on Easter Friday the annual South Powys Girls Football Festival took place at Brecon Leisure Centre which attracted over fifty teams from the whole of Wales, with team categories ranging from Under 10 up to Under 16s. This was the eighth year of this important sporting event and is on the calendar of most Welsh Clubs to attend. With its’ well organised match schedules, neutral referees and with good facilities the only complaint from both players and spectators alike was the erratic wintry weather.

Congratulations again need to go to the organisers, the Sports Development Unit at Powys County Council for this terrific showcase event.

The Panthers had entered all four age groups, which was based on mini league formats with the winners and runners up facing each other in Semi finals then the finals themselves. With the number of teams involved and the first match kicking off at 10am, it wasn’t until about 3pm that the final matches were being played out and in that weather it was quite a struggle to keep warm and dry for the whole day.

            The Panthers Under 10s struggled playing generally older girls and with three key players missing, but nevertheless battled until the very end, gaining much needed match experience in this their first season together. They were still smiling at the end!

            The Panthers Under 16s, again in their first season, ran one of the top sides in Wales, Margam very close, narrowly losing 1-0 but picked up the much vaulted scalp of League rivals Newport County beating them 1-0 with a spectacular goal from the side’s top scorer K.French. The team put in creditable performances in their other two group matches but narrowly lost out again to more experienced,older teams.

            The Under 14s played steady throughout the day, only losing narrowly twice in their six matches but with fine wins against Aberdare, Llanidloes and Aberyswyth and a draw against Mold clinched the Runners Up spot and claimed their trophies.

            Meanwhile the Under 12s were the stars of the show, winning all of their league matches without conceding, and then went onto to beat Port Talbot in the Semi Final 1-0 after the nerve wracking extra time and golden goal was played out. In the final they faced Aberyswyth and although having most of the first half play were pegged at 1-1 at the interval. The same pattern continued into the second half and the nerves were beginning to show on both players and supporters ofboth teams as the clock ticked away. With two minutes to go, facing extra time and perhaps the golden goal again, Panthers defender Stephens cleared a highball to the half way line and with the opposition pushed up this allowed the pacy Lewis a run from the half way line, latching onto and controlling the ball leaving the defenders behind her. With space between her and the keeper the excitement from the Panthers crowd was tangible, as parents and coaches with hands on heads, gritted teeth, clenched fists willing Lewis on as she honed in on the opposing keeper. As if in slow motion and without any panic, Lewis facedthe keeper from 2 metres one on one, jinked to the right and slotted a low drive into the bottom right corner. No sooner had the kick off been retaken,the final whistle blew, its was so close and what a finish!

            The Panthers Under 12s deservedly collected their winner’s trophies and the Cup with players, parents and coaches still catching their breath.

Well done all Panthers teams, great spirit and sporting conduct, well done Powys County Council, another fine run competition!