Taff's take on events....

Having just watched the first team move into pole position in division 1, the second team took to the court hoping to match their achievement against Horfield's reserves. Cardiff's strength in depth meant that even with 5 boys missing through holidays and work, a side with plenty of first team experience could still take the court. New arrival Kristina Van Eker also made her debut.

Cardiff started strongly and looked clearly the stronger team throughout the first half. Josh and Ian worked the first attack confidently, both claiming confident runners, before Terry and Kristina took over to similar effect. Both were denied a series of decent looking penalty shouts, although when two did come our way Terry missed them. After a series of rebounds from Pam, Kristina eventually brought the lead out to 3-0 with a short effort. A long shot from Horfield brought a little respite, but soon Josh was back on the scoreboard - after an acrobatic over-the-head effort failed to drop a more conventional running in shot restored the three goal cushion. Terry then stepped up to deliver a runner of his own, followed up by a sweet halfway line shot that barely touched the sides.

A half time scoreline of 6-2 demonstrated Cardiff's clear superiority, and as much as Cardiff's more experienced players dominated the scoring, Cardiff's newer generation of players dominated in defence.

Hofield began the second half with the introduction of a couple of pacier players, but to little effect. Aidan in particular showed his much improved defensive skills, and with Pam and Kay still hogging rebounds at either end of the court, Cardiff enjoyed a lengthy spell of possession. Josh and Ian carved out a hatful chances for Zoe and Kay, which on another day will yield several goals, but on this occasion the ball refused to drop. Somewhat against the run of play a long bomb from Horfield brought the game back to 6-3, but Kay rounded things off with a nice shot on the turn after Josh spotted her open under the basket.

So a 7-3 victory was enough to send Cardiff II to the top of the table, but there's plenty of improvement to come once we find our shooting range.

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