Newcastle Emlyn Ladies Hockey Club earned promotion following a win over Bridgend.

The two teams faced each other for the second time in two weeks at Crymych, with Newcastle Emlyn emerging stronger this time around, after a 4-1 defeat the previous weekend.

On Saturday, it was a different story as the home team turned the tables to win.

The nail-biting encounter saw Emlyn getting off to a robust start, putting their knowledge of Bridgend’s game to good use.

Both teams vied for control and there was plenty of free-flowing possession, but it was captain Sara Patterson who scored the initial goal for Emlyn after a tense scuffle near the goal line. This came after Elen Hill and Amy Purnell worked well together with the former passing down the left channel and the latter in the attacking circle. Sioned Fflur attempted a tap in but was restricted by the visiting keeper, before Patterson scored.

Keeping the momentum, Emlyn's Rosie Hughes and Flo Plant led a charge down the wing, winning the match's first short corner.

This allowed Mel Williams to expertly flick the ball into the goal's left side, extending their lead.

However, Bridgend found their footing and capitalised on Emlyn’s gaps to retaliate with a tap-in.

Enfys Davies, under coach Mark Hayward's advice, maintained a high pitch for a powerful goal into the circle.

Bridgend fought back, securing their second goal of the match, leaving the score 3-2 to Emlyn at half-time.

With three points in sight, Emlyn pushed hard in the second half.

Defenders Ffion Davies and Caryl-Haf Lloyd excelled at clearing the way for midfielder Alaw Elisa, who showcased impressive skills.

Efa Jones worked the right wing, regaining possession and setting Patterson up for another goal.

Despite Bridgend’s relentless attacks, Emlyn maintained their resolve.

After Bridgend's third goal, Patterson scored her third of the game, with Bridgend having the final say, taking the score to 5-4 in favour of Emlyn.

The crowd, eagerly anticipating the end of the match, was rewarded with a sigh of relief as the whistle blew.

Player of the match, Mel Williams, was instrumental in Emlyn’s victory.

Later in the day, the team was ecstatic to discover they were promoted to the Premier 2 league, putting them in the second-best league in South Wales next season.

Newcastle Emlyn Ladies Hockey Club expressed gratitude to their match sponsors - Plas Pantyderi Manor, VIP Wales, Glannau Holidays, and Tomos Jones Carpentry.

A special mention went to Crymych Arms for providing post-match food.