PRESTEIGNE continued their push for the South Wales Women’s Hockey League Premier Two title with a hard-fought 1-0 win against Dowlais.

Jess Goodwin snapped up the decisive goal for table-topping Presteigne, who have won five of their opening seven league matches and are one point ahead of second-placed Swansea University.

The game opened with both teams finding it difficult to carve out clear-cut shooting opportunities.

Presteigne’s defence of Leanne Evans, Sian Bull and Donna Jones worked extremely hard throughout to prevent the ball reaching goalkeeper Tina Sparey.

Dowlais kept pressing Presteigne and, despite some accurate passing from midfield to attack, the hosts were not able to score.

Presteigne maintained their composure and were awarded a penalty corner which Goodwin fired home.

Presteigne deservedly held on for the win with Bull taking the player-of-the-match plaudits.

Meanwhile, Ross men took the county bragging rights with an 8-2 hammering of Hereford in De Cymru and Marches League One.

Jonny Cross bagged a brace for Ross in the first derby between the sides this season at Hereford Leisure Centre.

Ross made a quick start which saw Euan Aitken attack from the right wing, taking on the Hereford defence with a strong run and winning a penalty flick. Cross found the net with the flick but Hereford responded with two quick-fire goals.

However, the setback spurred on Ross, who replied with goals from Matt Goldsmith, who chipped the keeper, Richard Jennison, Cross with another penalty flick and Rory Calderwood to take a commanding 6-2 lead at the interval.

Ross’ half-time talk centred on staying alert because they knew Hereford would press hard. Ross rounded off a satisfying with further goals from Aitken and Tom Walton.