BDO WOMENS' WORLD CUP QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT
Kazan (RUS) – 17/25 April 2010
25th April 2010
World Cup Qualifiers Kazan, Russia. Day 6: Italy 1 – Wales 0
The opening five minutes was frenetic hockey - end to end play. Both teams looking hard for their last win of the tournament. For Wales, it was important to finish on a successful note.
Circle penetration in the fourth minute led to a PC and Wales' first opportunity. There was no shot from this PC. A fine link between Hopkins and Bevan began a further attack and this was quickly converted into the second PC - the shot was off target. Wales continued to out perform Italy for the next ten minutes. Wilkinson once asserting herself, presenting a strong presence. Keen developing well in her new role up front used her speed to steal the ball. Some of the defending in the Wales circle was scrappy, but Wales were keeping Italy at bay.
Frequent substitutions maintained the high intensity that was required to play the game - both teams were weary from the tournament. Welsford had a fine opportunity in the 34'. Her shot went wide but sadly she was not supported in the circle. A golden moment that came and went.
Just on half time, a PC was awarded to Italy who , with ten players on the circle edge put the ball in the net. So going into half time, Wales were facing defeat. However with renewed energy and great effort, they continued to battle hard throughout the 35 minutes.
They won a PC in the 37', and failed to get a shot away, and again 10 minutes later - the same thing! Silly unforced errors were still a weakness and despite another good attacking phase throughout the first 15 minutes of the half, Wales failed to punish Italy.
Again Wales had not one but two PCs, narrowly missing both. They then had to defend very strongly for the next period, Lowry rescuing the situation by her steady composed play.
Wales very last attempt to level the score came in the 64'. Evans struck the PC really cleanly, but it was just off target. Italy was more won a PC on the full time - but this time Wales defended well and get the ball out. However, Italy were the winners on the day 1-0.
Results in fullwww.kazan2010.sportcentric.com (tournament web site)
24th April 2010
World Cup Qualifiers Kazan, Russia. Day 5: Belarus 4 – Wales 1
It was a bright but chilly day. The game was identified as a key match for Wales. Win and we were playing for 3rd and 4th place. Lose and a very early start to play on Sunday!
Wales set off with confidence winning a PC in the 2', which was well defended by Belarus. From that moment forwards Wales lost their composure and despite being aware that Belarus threw aerials and had practiced them, Wales conceded two early goals by fine execution of this pass. A quick third goal then came from a right hand penetration with little lifts that Wales failed to counter. During the next ten minutes, Wales played with more belief and momentum. Attacking the circle, putting shots on target and playing in the Belarus' half.
The second half was stronger and Wales competed with more conviction. A great move from Mumford down the right to Bevan who swiftly passed it on to Batten. Hopkins performed an excellently timed supporting run to collect and deliver the ball firmly into the goal. There followed three PCs which were not converted - although the cross bar was struck - so near and yet so far. A PS was then given in the 45' and Wilkinson failed to score because of a fine save.
Wales created more scoring opportunities but were not clinical in the vital areas and this carelessness cost us the game. The final game on the last day is once more against Italy - Wales do have to implement all the knowledge and improvement learnt in the last five games. Reducing the unforced errors and linking passes to the forwards will be the key areas of focus.
One more opportunity to deliver! Congratulations to Sophie Trigg who won her first senior cap for Wales
Results in fullwww.kazan2010.sportcentric.com (tournament web site)
22nd April 2010
World Cup Qualifiers Kazan, Russia. Day 4: Wales 2 – Russia 1
It was the 6pm game so that the locals could add their voice. A real battle for Wales in this the fourth game of the tournament against the volume of the home crowd and the confidence of the Russian women.
Wales were keen to display their determination to overcome the previous disappointments in their earlier games. They opened in a very positive manner, passing the ball more cleanly and at a higher pace than the other games. Three PCs came Wales' way in the first ten minutes but none were converted. We had to wait for our fourth PC at eighteen minutes to enjoy celebrating the opening goal - a straight strike from Tina Evans beating the keeper with speed.
Russia continued to work hard and put Wales under pressure and kept them pinned in their own 40 metre area for the next fifteen minutes - winning PCs in both the 25 and 33 minutes. Once more Wales defended well, Maggs Rees controlling her circle with authority.
The next fifteen minutes neither team valued the ball overly, both teams had PCs early in the second half and failed to capitalise on them. Russia was at one point down to nine players, with two green cards (2' suspensions). This seemed to spur Wales on who began playing with more conviction. Their passing improved and the ball moved at greater pace.
Hopkins had the best moment in this phase with a reverse stick shot which went wide of the target. However she redeemed herself by scoring at the next PC putting Wales 2-0 up with fifteen minutes to go. Brooks narrowly missed converting yet another PC, but had had a really good game. Russia scored from a PC in the 60th minute. The last minutes were frenetic. The home crowd willing their girls to convert again to square the match.
Both teams were tiring. Russia did net the ball for a second time but the 'goal' was not awarded. Hopkins had a brilliant chance with three minutes to go but with the keeper out of her goal, the ball went wide. The final whistle came not a moment too soon. Wales had led in the game and this time held on to it.
Results in fullwww.kazan2010.sportcentric.com (tournament web site)
20th April 2010
World Cup Qualifiers Kazan, Russia. Day 3: Azerbaijan 1 – Wales 0
Game 3 another bright sunny and warm day. Once more a the strategy has been set to exploit the oppositions weaknesses. All we have to do is deliver it.
Whistle! An improved first opening minutes. Wales was more composed and bossed the game executing cleaner passes. Wales were more confident on the ball. Azerbaijan had good basic skills and were smarter in the vulnerable areas of the pitch winning two PCs in the first twelve minutes. Both shots were mopped up by Hopkins and Evans respectively. Both teams were then guilty of a series of unforced errors. Azerbaijan presented a very strong defense of their circle and Wales found few solutions to this wall of players. They had a really good first half but penetrating the circle was proving a step too far taking 21' to even test the GK! Mumford and Wilkinson put in great performance under pressure. Azerbaijan were down to nine players late in this half but Wales still unable to capitalise on this opportunity.
Azerbaijan applied tremendous pressure at the opening of the second half but Wales defended strongly, protecting their feet well in the 25 and circle. In total Wales conceded 7 PCs in this half and it was in the 45 ' that Azerbaijan finally broke through. Following the goal Wales lost composure - mis fielding simple balls and failing to recognise 2 v 1 situations. Their big chance came in the 62' with a PC which was well struck but cleared. So 1-0 was the final score.
Overall a much better performance developmentally and Wales are progressing but recognise their need to be more constructive in the 23metre area. Wilkinson once demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure, Evans distributing well from the back and Batten developing some useful leads at the front
Results in fullwww.kazan2010.sportcentric.com (tournament web site)
18th April 2010
World Cup Qualifiers Kazan, Russia. Day 2: Italy 2 – Wales 1
Day 2, game 2 again played in bright light albeit with a chilly wind. Wales faced Italy, who are one place higher in the rankings. With much learnt from game 1 Wales set off with a stronger focus were determined to challenge Italy in all areas of the pitch. We also shared captain Carys Hopkins winning her 50th cap. She received a small token from the FIH from Edna Rutten the Technical Delegate of the tournament.
Full of resolve and with much learned from the game against Japan, Wales started well winning a PC in the first minute and a second rewarded immediately. The shot was off target but the team had settled well. They began to move the ball early and with confidence. Elie Mumford working hard down the right channel, controlling play with maturity. A third PC was awarded in the 12' and netted by Leah Wilkinson from a great assist from Abi Welford. So once more Wales opened the score - could they now hold play and finish in similar style?
The joy was short lived - poor concentration resulted in Italy winning a PC. Wales failed to stay 5 metres from a dead ball situation outside the circle. So with only fifteen minutes on the clock the score was 1-1.
The tone of the game was controlled by Italy who spent much energy in complaining or breaking down play. Wales were guilty of adopting a similar manner and therefore lost composure too often. This resulted in poor structure of play and inaccurate passing.
Hope returned just before half time with Wales winning their third corner, which once more went wide.
The second half was played out in much the same manner as the first half finished! Lost possession and lost patience seemed to be the order of the day. Italy scored their second and winning goal in the 50' from open play - which was really well executed. Wales defense of penalty corners saved further goal scoring opportunities from Italy.
Once more Leah Wilkinson put in a high quality, mature performance demonstrating her strength on the ball and some excellent passing. Her performance were marred only slightly by her green card which enforces a 2 minute penalty off the pitch.
Overall, a disappointing performance from Wales who had started so well and had mentally prepared for the game. Their focus now will be on quality passing at pace and safe first touch as they go into a rest day, with Azerbaijan the following game.
Results in fullwww.kazan2010.sportcentric.com (tournament web site)
17th April 2010
World Cup Qualifiers Kazan, Russia. Day 1: Wales 1 – Japan 4
Wales and Japan opened the tournament at 13.00 in warm, bright sunshine. Despite excellent preparation and a clear understanding of the game plan, Wales were under pressure from the opening moments of the game. Conceding a penalty corner in the first minute. Developing any patterns of play was repeatedly interrupted by Japans high intensity and speed. Wales absorbed this pressure very successfully, maintaining their composure, confidence and were patient.
A fine piece of work down the right side and circle entry, allowed Abi Welsford time to firmly tuck the ball into the right hand corner of the goal, beating the keeper. Japan, who started to look less confident then proceeded to squander a number of relatively easy scoring opportunities.
By 30 minutes Wales had successfully defended their third PC. This part of their game showed great maturity, focus and discipline. Wales had exposed Japan’s weaknesses in defence and then, themselves wasted a number of scoring chances – one following a great run by Lou Bevan down the right.
Wales went into the second half still a goal ahead and the game the looked more even. It offered the growing numbers who had come to see the game some exciting high quality hockey skills. At the next PC awarded to Japan, in the 48th minute and despite three saves, Wales conceded. It was all square.
Japan maintained their speed of play to dominate the last fifteen minutes and scored three more goals. Wales’ will need to improve their capacity to match that level of intensity throughout. However their overall performance was very creditable. The Welsh girls showed their ability to perform under pressure, capably defend PCs and deliver a well constructed strategy.
Maggs Rees had an outstanding game in goal, with Leah Wilkinson playing with maturity and controlling her area of the pitch and putting pressure on the Japanese right hand attack.
Carys Hopkins (Captain) spoke purposely at the media conference post game about having gained confidence in their performance, with continuing the playing strategy that would deliver a better result in the following games.
Starting line up:
Maggs Rees (GK), Tina Evans, Leah Wilkinson, Carys Hopkins, Clare Lowry, Elen Mumford, Pippa Jones, Kayleigh Humphries, Abi Welsford, Emma Batten, Katie Richards.
Sue Sutton, Manager Wales Women's Senior Team
Results in fullwww.kazan2010.sportcentric.com (tournament web site)
15th March 2010
Wales Announce Senior Women's Captain
Senior squad training
Carys Hopkins was announced as Captain of the Senior Women's Squad bound for the World Cup Qualifiers in Russia with Pippa Jones as Vice Captain. Head Coach Jo Nightingale confirmed these prestigious appointments at the beginning of the squad session held yesterday in Cardiff. The girls, all of whom were in club action on Saturday, trained well in the first warm weather week-end of 2010. Carys, who played for a Great Britain squad in Spain last January, is relishing the challenges of competition this coming April.
4th March 2010
Women's Squad for World Cup Qualifier announced
Carys Hopkins
Leah Wilkinson
Head Coach, Jo Nightingale, announced the Women's squad to compete for the World Cup Qualifier to be played in Kazan, Russia from 16-25 April as follows: Emma Batten, Lou Bevan, Alys Brooks, Tina Evans, Emma Griffiths, Kayleigh Humphrey, Carys Hopkins, Pippa Jones, Emma Keen, Clare Lowry, Elie Mumford. Ella Rafferty. Maggs Rees (GK). Katie Richards. Sophie Trigg (GK). Abi Welsford. Leah Wilkinson Reserves: Kat Budd, Beth Fisher, Harri Kinnear, Hannah Richardson.
This squad will also represent Wales in matches against England on 9 April at Bisham and against Scotland on 10 April at Slough. Wales next train in Cardiff at the Welsh Institute of Sport on 14 March. Sarah Thomas is not included as she made the very difficult decision not to be considered for selection at this time but fully expects to return to the squad in the summer.
Participating Teams
Azerbaijan, Belarus, Italy, Japan, Russia, Wales
MATCH DAY 1: Sat 17 Apr 2010
| 13:00 | Wales | 1 | Japan | 4 |
| 15:00 | Azerbaijan | 3 | Belarus | 1 |
| 17:00 | Opening Ceremony | |||
| 18:30 | Italy | 2 | Russia | 3 |
MATCH DAY 2: Sun 18 Apr 2010
| 14:30 | Japan | 10 | Belarus | 2 |
| 16:30 | Italy | 2 | Wales | 1 |
| 18:30 | Russia | 2 | Azerbaijan | 2 |
Mon 19 Apr 2010 – Rest Day
MATCH DAY 3: Tue 20 Apr 2010
| 14:00 | Azerbaijan | 1 | Wales | 0 |
| 16:00 | Japan | 3 | Italy | 1 |
| 18:00 | Russia | 1 | Belarus | 3 |
Wed 21 Apr 2010 – Rest Day
MATCH DAY 4: Thu 22 Apr 2010
| 14:00 | Belarus | 5 | Italy | 2 |
| 16:00 | Azerbaijan | 0 | Japan | 2 |
| 18:00 | Wales | 2 | Russia | 1 |
Fri 23 Apr 2010 – Rest Day
MATCH DAY 5: Sat 24 Apr 2010
| 10:00 | Italy | 1 | Azerbaijan | 3 |
| 12:00 | Belarus | 4 | Wales | 1 |
| 14:00 | Japan | 2 | Russia | 2 |
MATCH DAY 6: Sun 25 Apr 2010
| 10:00 | 5th | Italy | 1 | 6th | Wales | 0 |
| 12:30 | 3rd | Belarus | 2 | 4th | Russia (Golden Goal) | 3 |
| 15:00 | 1st | Japan | 1 | 2nd | Azerbaijan | 0 |
Final positions
1st: Japan (Qualifies for World Cup Finals)
2nd: Azerbaijan
3rd: Russia
4th: Belarus
5th: Italy
6th: Wales
Note: Subject to the approval of the FIH Representative and Tournament Director any match(es) may be rescheduled to accommodate international television requirements.
