SENIOR CELTIC CUP - WOMEN
Edinburgh (SCO), 26-28 June 2009
Nations:
France
Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Day 1: Friday 26th June 2009
Wales' first match in the competition saw them take on the hosts, Scotland and gave captain, Pippa Jones, her 50th cap. Wales were put under pressure from the off with Scotland winning a penalty corner in the 3'. The ball was blocked by Leah Wilkinson and Wales cleared their lines. The Scots continued to press and keeper Maggs Rees was tested several times without conceding a goal. Wales did break into the Scots' half but it wasn't until the 33' that Wales got their chance and converted with Wilkinson slamming the ball into the 25 and through to the D where Abi Welsford's outstretched stick deflected the ball high into the Scottish net.
The 2nd half saw both teams on the attack and Wales had to defend 2 more penalty corners with great clearing saves from Rees & Wilkinson. Scottish pressure told in the 52' when they scored the equaliser following a 2nd phase play from a further penalty corner. Welsh heads didn't drop and the players built up the pressure step by step, taking control of the ball and the field position. Wales earned 3 penalty corners in 3 minutes and took the lead again as Wilkinson's swept ball deflected passed the Scottish keeper in the 60'. Wales still had to focus and play out the clock with the Scots pushing for another equaliser. Playing the final 5 minutes with 10 players, following Jones' dismissal, the players stuck to their task and finished the game on a high.
A vital 3 points well earned but still areas to work on before tomorrow's match against Ireland.
| 12.00 | Ireland | 2 | France | 1 |
| 16.00 | Scotland | 1 | Wales | 2 |
Day 2: Saturday 27th June 2009
Wales took on Ireland in their 2nd match of the tournament. Both teams recorded a win in their 1st matches and the early exchanges saw the teams transfer the ball around the back looking for the opportunity to penetrate the press. In the first 15 minutes Wales created 5 chances to score including gaining 2 penalty corners. Wales eventually opened the scoring via Dawn Mitchell following the rebound off Sarah Thomas' shot. Ireland fought straight back and indecision in the Welsh defence allowed Ireland to level the score. Maggs Rees in goal pulled off a string of saves before Elie Mumford broke down the right, passed to Mitchell who in turn passed to Emma Griffiths. She was stick tackled in the D and Wales were awarded a penalty flick. Leah Wilkinson stepped up and put the ball high into the roof of the net to take the score to 2-1.
The 2nd half again saw both sides controlling the play around the back before making their attacks. Wilkinson had to temporarily leave the field as a high ball in the D struck her in the jaw. Rees continued to make some crucial saves, in particular when she was left 1 on 1 with an Irish forward. Ireland's 2nd penalty corner in the 54' saw a well practised slip to the left post to level the score at 2-2. The remaining 15 minutes of play showed that both teams were looking for the win and although both gained penalty corners the respective defences held strong to leave a 2-2 draw which was a fair reflection of the overall game. With the two teams now level at the top of the table, both will be looking for their next 3 points in their final matches tomorrow.
| 10.00 | Wales | 2 | Ireland | 2 |
| 14.00 | Scotland | 2 | France | 0 |
Day 3: Sunday 28th June 2009
Wales started today's match knowing that they needed at least a point to be in with a chance of taking the Celtic Cup. Following another early start, Wales hit the ground running with numerous chances in the first 13 minutes. All the pressure was however, to no avail as it was France who took the lead early on with a lapse in concentration at the back for Wales. Welsh heads didn't drop and having 4 penalty corners awarded showed their desire to redress the balance. Leah Wilkinson levelled the score with a drag off a penalty corner in the 25'. Maggs Rees was tested 1 on 1 towards the end of the half but good decision making kept the score level.
The early exchanges in the 2nd half saw both teams turnover the ball but it was the French who make their possession count with 4 penalty corners. The Welsh defence again held strong and Wales countered with an attack down the right that was finished off by Abi Welsford in the 28' to put Wales ahead 2-1. With their noses in front the Welsh needed to keep composed but within a minute of the restart France had been awarded a penalty corner and the Welsh defence were, this time, unable to keep the ball out to concede a second equlising goal. Both Wales and France looked to score the winner but the final score remained 2-2.
The final match of the tournament saw Scotland beat Ireland and consequently Wales finished 2nd overall.
Wales now have one final training camp before their holding camp and the Europeans where they will hope to get the win over France. The Celtic Cup has given the squad vital match practice and highlighted areas of progress and areas for further development.
| 10.00 | France | 2 | Wales | 2 |
| 14.00 | Scotland | 7 | Ireland | 1 |
Final Positions
1st: Scotland 6pts
2nd: Wales 5pts
3rd: Ireland 4pts
4th: France 1pt
Note: The Match Schedule is subject to amendment at the discretion of EHF or the Tournament Director.
