A gloomy,drizzly journey to Rhyl ,a team recently returning back to the league following relegation from above, heralded the beginning of Wrexham ladies new season.A change of captaincy,with the Dynamic Duo of Becs and Laila in post, opened the proceedings with a rousing team talk and 'setting out the stall' for the coming season and their shared ambition for promotion.
As Wrexham took to the pitch,the sun made a welcome appearance.
The first 10 minutes proved testing for the Whites, with repeated waves of attack from the speedy Rhyl forwards,some steady and well organised defending and impressive saves from Laila,helped keep Wrexham in the game whilst they tried to find their own rhythm.A penalty corner to the travellers was thwarted in the 11th minute but then a swift counter attack from Rhyl elicited another fantastic save from Laila.
With the pace of the game and rising temperatures at the seaside,Wrexham were able to make excellent use of rolling subs, thanks to such a sizeable squad and well managed by Lisa ,on the the sideline.
Rachel and Molly combined well through the middle,a lovely cross dissected the Rhyl 'D' but no White shirts were able to connect.
Rhyl retaliated shortly after,winning a penalty corner.Beth H bravely run out and managed to nick the ball away from the attacker.
With the 1st half slipping away, Rhyl piled on the pressure and Wrexham had to work hard to contain attacks,skipper Laila again needing to pull off some great stops.
A lovely run by the industrious young Bethan T found Gemma P out wide but again closed down quickly by the well drilled home team.
Wrexham closed the 1st half solidly, a penalty corner just going wide and more lovely hockey from Becs,who distributed the ball well throughout the game.0-0
2nd half
Wrexham started strongly with 2 long corners awarded but unable to convert. Rhyl were quick to respond,one shot agonisingly missing goal and their next well saved again by Laila.
12 mins in, tenacious work from the midfield and forwards earned a penalty corner.
Gemma P feeding Becs ,who struck a lightning shot into the right hand corner of stunned Rhyl's goal.
The remainder of the 2nd half proved to be free flowing and open, with both teams working hard for a goal,the welcomed final whistle came just as the home team were about to launch another attack on the Wrexham goal.
A very promising start to the season from the Wrexham 2nds,securing their 1st ever victory away at Rhyl, illustrating the impressive work rate and cohesion of the whole team and some lovely hockey as a result .A warm welcome extended to Charlotte on her debut today,who slotted in beautifully and hopefully enjoyed the game