Robinsons ‘A’ 3-6 PENARTH

The pre-match talk focused on work-rate, intensity and game management and these words clearly struck a chord with the wounded Bears, who came flying out of the traps like never before. As the visitors put on a dazzling display of counter-attacking hockey, with the attacking quartet of Chris Baker, Andrew Willemite, Tim Urlings and Jack Jopson proving to hot to handle, Robinsons froze in the sub-zero conditions. After scoring with the first attack of the game - as Urlings grabbed himself a first goal for the club - the Bears never looked back, adding to their tally with what seemed like every attack, eventually rattling in a quick-fire five goals in less than fifteen minutes.

Urlings wrapped up his hat-trick and the man-of-the-match award inside the first ten minutes, while Baker finished off another fine counter to take himself to ten goals for the season and Willemite chipped in with customary - and well-deserved - first time deflection at the back post following a well worked corner routine.

After their blistering start, however, Penarth began to slow as they took their foot off the pedal and this allowed Robinsons to grab a foothold in the game. Duly reminding Penarth why they were top of the league, the home side proceeded to score quick goals of their own, first via an unfortunate deflection from a Penarth stick that wrong-footed goalkeeper Adam Putt, and then following a skilful run into the 'D' that resulted in a low reverse stick shot that gave the Bears something to think about at half-time.

After a chance to refocus, Penarth took control once more, creating chances at will and drawing several smart saves and goal-line clearances that prevented a second goal-rush from materialising. With time running out, however, the Welsh side still held the upper hand at 5-2, but Robinsons refused to give in and were rewarded for their efforts with a late consolation goal. Penarth, too, were not done, however, and saved their best for last.

With the clock ticking down, captain Tom Haran took a self pass from the sideline before playing a lovely aerial one-two with Phil Lane. Receiving the return ball, the skipper then beat the first defender through his legs, picked the ball up on his reverse stick, weaved through another two defenders before peeling strong into the ‘D’ and smashing his effort low into the bottom corner.

The final scoreline underlined perhaps the team’s best performance of the year, notable when their backs were up against the wall. With the top teams threatening to pull away before the break, the Bears came out fighting and were rewarded with a big three points to put themselves back within two of top spot.

Goalscorers: Tim Urlings (3), Andrew Willemite, Chris Baker, Tom Haran