24-27 May 2007, Venue: Prague (CZE)

POOL A
SC Stroitel Brest (BLR)
Pembroke Wanderers HC (IRL)
Dinamo Kazan (RUS)
Pliva Lipovci (SLO)

POOL B
Bohemians Praha (CZE)
HC Rotweiss Wettingen (SUI)
Post SV Wien (AUT)
Cardiff HC (WAL)

Match Schedule

Day 1: Thursday 24 May 2007

Cardiff HC in Europe

Bohemians Prague 2, Cardiff 4

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Cardiff were handed a tough tie for their opening game of the European Trophy tournament. Not only are Bohemians Prague the hosts but the Czech Republic were a Division A nation last year. Many made them the pre-tournament favourites, including the pundits on the Czech equivalent of Sky Sports, which was broadcasting the game live.

However, after a typically rousing pre-match pep talk from Ian Davies, Cardiff made the brighter opening, creating some good chances, until after eighteen minutes one was converted by David Samuels, Cardiff had identified penalty corners as a Bohemians strength having watch them train, and the host soon proved this by drawing level and then taking the lead on the stroke of half time - both goals from corners.

Cardiff started the second half a men short, due to a yellow card, but they immediately had their most fruitful period. Phil Lowe turned the Czech defence before firing home with the reverse stick and then Tim Jones dived score from a rebound from his own shot to take the lead. Midway through the half Phil Lowe deflected home Tim Jones's cross to extend the lead. Although Steven Gardiner had a couple of sharp saves to make, Cardiff looked comfortable for the rest of the game, with Chris Shaw particularly impressive in defence.

The next game is against the Swiss side, the other day one winners from Group B

Day 2: Friday 25 May 2007

HC Rotweiss Wettingen 2, Cardiff 3

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Cardiff continued their impressive European form with another win, this time 3-2 over Rotweiss Wettingen. The Swiss team had also been victors on the opening day, but this win ensured that Cardiff will finish in one of the key top positions in their group, which should move Wales up echelon in the newly reconstructed European League structure.

The star of the show was David Samuels who scored all of Cardiff's goals. His first came after only two minutes, tapping in from close range after a raid down the right flank. Both teams then had good chances but some exemplary goalkeeping kept the scoreboard static. Eventually the Swiss drew level. At a penalty corner Steven Gardiner made an excellent low save, but had no chance with the rebound.

Whatever Cardiff's half time talks are, they are working wonders as once again they scored two quick goals after the break. The first came from a free hit with David Samuels deflecting in Mark Ramage's probing pass. Then he was released in space on the right to fire the winner into the corner. The Swiss pulled back a late consolation goal, but as the day closed Cardiff were the only team in the tournament with a 100% record.

Tomorrow brings the Austrian team from Vienna and optimism that Cardiff can complete the best performance by a Welsh team in Europe ever.

Day 3 : Saturday 26 May 2007

Post SV Wien 2, Cardiff 1

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Cardiff came into their final match against Post SV Wien already knowing that they were guaranteed a top two place in Group B and a place in the play-off finals. Furthermore, results earlier meant that Wales would move into the crucial top sixteen of the European rankings (from eighteenth) for next year.

With this in mind, three key players were rested. Tim Jones, Mark Ramage and Chris Shaw had previously picked up a yellow card and another would have meant suspension for the play-off match. Mark Gardiner had already met that fate an was suspended for this game.

The team from Vienna have started their previous matches brightly and took the lead after ten minutes when a loose ball was hit home from close range. Cardiff then equalised after a run to the byline and cross from Brendon Noble was converted at the far post by Ian Davies.

Just as the half-time hooter was about to blow, Cardiff needlessly conceded a penalty corner from which the Austrians retook the lead with a low drag flick.

The second half was a strangely quiet affair, with few chances although the Wien goalkeeper had to make a couple of sharp saves at penalty corners.

Tomorrow, Cardiff play Dinamo Kazan for one of the top spots in the tournament, a proposition that the team seem to prefer to an alternative game against the team from Dublin (despite what the results might suggest).

Day 4 : Sunday 27 May 2007

Dinamo Kazan 5, Cardiff 1

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The European Champions Trophy end disappointingly for Cardiff, with a 5-1 defeat to Dinamo Kazan in the play-offs. However, Cardiff still finished joint third in the tournament, the best performance in Europe by a Welsh team in recent years. Their performances also ensured that Wales moved up to 16th in the European rankings, thus ensuring Champions Trophy hockey for Cardiff next season and putting the European Champions league (for the top twelve countries) firmly in their sights.

In terms of possession and territory, the game itself was fairly even, but it was at the sharp ends of the pitch that the Russians excelled. Their short sharp passes in the boxes proved Cardiff's undoing, while they kept a tight line of defence, minimizing Cardiff's chances.

Cardiff had a pre-match set-back when Mark Ramage fell foul of food poisoning. Although he struggled on to the pitch his performance was clearly stifled and Dinamo went into half-time with a 2-0 advantage and some excellent goalkeeping by Steven Gardiner kept Cardiff in the game early in the second half, although he had little chance with penalty flick to make it 3-0. James Campbell pulled a goal back and Cardiff's best period followed as they genuinely looked capable of pulling back the deficit. However, it was Kazan who scored again, two late goals completing a deserved victory.

Final standings

=1st Dinamo Kazan
        Pembroke Wanderers

=3rd Cardiff HC
        Rotweiss Wettingen

=5th SC Stroitel Brest
        Pliva Lipovci

=7th Bohemians Praha
        Post SV Wien

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