A busy weekend of skater hockey took place on the 16^th and 17^th of February in the Rhondda, with the Hotshots competing in 3 age groups, and with mixed results.

HOV Hotshots Under 12’s 2

Cardiff Capitals 6

This was the first meeting of these 2 teams this season, and with both sides so far unbeaten, a thrilling match was a certainty.

Owen Price started in the Hotshots goal and his stopping power proved to be essential against a very quick and skilful Cardiff outfit.

In fact, the Cardiff team took the lead, but this was soon cancelled out as Alex Trotman netted to even the scores, and then with team mate Rachel Grovell sin binned for an illegal challenge, he went on to give the Blaenau Gwent outfit the lead in typical individual style.

The second period saw Liz Baker replace Price in goal, and the Capitals come out with vengeance.

Despite some great play from all the Hotshots, in particular the defensive trio of Grovell, Stewart Rickwood and David Robinson, the Cardiff youngsters were able to dominate, with the result that they hit 5 goals without reply to secure the victory.

HOV Hotshots Under 12’s 10

Cwmbran Scorpions 3

The unfortunate Scorpions had to suffer at the hands of the Hotshots following their defeat to the Capitals, as the Valleys youngsters totally dominated this match.

All the Hotshots goals came from the Internationals in the side, who were able to put on a demonstration of skater hockey.

Alex Trotman and Sarah Rodgers were the driving force in the team, and their understanding and passing ability tore the Cwmbran defence apart time and time again.

Trotman scored the opener and then went on to make the crucial pass for Rodgers to get the 2^nd.

A carbon copy goal followed, as he again set up his strike partner for the 3^rd, and then Rodgers turned provider for Trotman to net the 4^th, as her pin point pass found it’s intended target.

The 5^th and final goal of the period again fell to Rodgers, and again came from a Trotman pass, with these 2 youngsters showing the crowd what team work can achieve.

At the start of the 2^nd period the Scorpions pulled a goal back, but Rodgers soon cancelled that out with a great individual effort.

Again the Scorpions scored, and again Rodgers cancelled the goal out, this time off yet another Trotman assist.

To show that it’s just not Trotman and Rodgers who can find the back of the net, Stewart Rickwood, a Welsh international defender, scored goal number 8; with what is becoming a habit, he hit the ball from inside his own half. It took a slight deflection, but was always going to beat the beleaguered Cwmbran keeper.

The scoring was rounded off by the 2 stars of the show, with Trotman netting number 9, and securing his hat trick, and Rodgers netting number 6 for herself, and number 10 for the team.

HOV Hotshots Under 10’s 8

Caerphilly 5

This was a fantastic game for the Valleys youngsters, securing their first proper victory of the season.

Greg Apperley in goal was outstanding again, and very brave as he stopped shot after shot at the feet of the opposition attackers.

The Hotshots took the lead when Matthew Downward slotted a great pass from Jamie Lewis past the Caerphilly keeper.

Caerphilly pulled a goal back, and then took the lead, but Downward and Lewis were able to get the Hotshots back in the game with some superb skating and goals.

Downward netted the equaliser, and then went on to hit goal number 3.

Lewis struck the 4^th, and then made the half time score 5-2 with a stunning shot.

The Caerphilly side came out after the break looking for goals, and within minutes the score was 5-4, but yet again Matthew Downward scored to make it 6-4.

Not to be out done by Lewis and Downward, Jordan Meale got in on the goal scoring act, netting the 7^th, with Downward rounding off the goals to make it 8-5.

Defenders Jamie Robinson, Samantha Rodgers and Mike Grovell all played a very important part in this victory, as did Liam Rickwood, James Morgan and Kane Lewis.

HOV Hotshots Under 10’s 2

Howardian’s 9

The under 10’s again played with spirit, but the Cardiff side were far too skilful and experienced.

The Hotshots goals fell to James Morgan in the first half, and to Captain Jamie Lewis in the 2^nd.

Hov Hotshots Under 16’s 1

Pontypool 3

A depleted Hotshot line-up were unlucky not to get a victory out of this encounter, as Jason Rickwood, Mike Haile, Gareth Liddington, Nick Rogers and Rob Baker, along with net minder Jason O’Neill took on a very much on form Pontypool.

The Hotshots goal came in the first half, with Liddington setting up team captain Michael Haile.