EUROHOCKEY INDOOR NATIONS CHALLENGE - WOMEN
Rouen (FRA), 15-17 January 2010
Single Pool
France
Croatia
England
Sweden
Turkey
Wales
DAY 1: Friday 15 January 2010
A Spirited display by Wales in their first ever international game in the Euro championships saw them succumb 6-0 to a very experienced England Team
The first half saw Wales defend very well under a fair amount of pressure although they also created a number of opportunities. It took England 15 minutes to score their first goal from their first penalty corner and then extended their lead a little later to go into half time 2-0.
A poor start to the 2nd half saw Wales concede two quick early goals and although they rallied well and worked hard to create a few opportunities they conceded two further goals.
Although losing, this was a solid start for the welsh girls, giving a good platform to build on. For many of the girls this was their first taste of International hockey at any level, and have represented their country well.
A disappointing result for the Welsh girls losing to Croatia 5 - 4, following their disciplined performance against England, earlier in the day, although they started well, putting a lot of pressure on the Croatian defence. They conceded their first goal after 10 minutes at a short corner, followed shortly by a second. This seemed to spur Wales into action, scoring two goals from Kat Budd and Laura Sugar, in quick succession in open play after some good work down the right boards on both occasions.
The second half saw Wales again squander some good goal scoring opportunities, before again going two goals behind after 28'. Wales then conceded a penalty stroke, which was saved by goalkeeper Emma Olivari, and this again changed the momentum Wales way, and after Bridget Radice scored from a penalty corner, Wales were on a roll and quickly drew level through Annie Petherick with two minutes to go. Unfortunately Wales couldn't hold onto the draw, conceding a penalty corner goal in the last minute.
This was a hard lesson to learn for the Welsh girls and hopefully they will take this forward into tomorrows games
| 10.00 | Turkey | 1 | France | 11 |
| 11:05 | Croatia | 5 | Sweden | 7 |
| 12:10 | England | 6 | Wales | 0 |
| 15:25 | Croatia | 5 | Wales | 4 |
| 16:30 | Sweden | 3 | Turkey | 1 |
| 17:35 | England | 7 | France | 0 |
DAY 2: Saturday 16 January 2010
Wales were put on the back foot in the first five minutes in the game against a very experienced and physical French outfit, and unfortunately conceded three quick goals. The welsh girls then steadied themselves before getting a goal back from 18 year old Laura Sugar at their first penalty corner. Wales then didn't press home the momentum gained from this period of pressure and fell further behind, eventually going in at half time 7-1 behind. Following a stern talking to at half time the Welsh girls showed some of their fighting spirit, at the start of the second half, but it was France again who took the initiative finally running out 11-1 to the good.
This was a very disappointing result for the Welsh girls who didn't step up to the tempo set by their French counterparts. Every game for this squad is a learning experience and valuable lessons within this inaugural Wales team were learnt during this game.
After a disappointing morning, Wales women's team earned their first ever International Indoor victory by beating Turkey by 5 goals to 3. In a much improved team performance, Wales were positive, decisive and determined, and although they went one goal down to the first Turkish penalty corner in the second minute, their heads didn't drop.
17 year old Rhiannon Rogers levelled the scores in open play, after some good work by Bridget Radice in the 7th minute, who had had a goal disallowed just a minute earlier. Three minutes later Wales went ahead, through a Maree Thomas deflection following a well worked free hit outside the circle. Scores were soon levelled through a penalty stroke, only for Wales to go into the lead once again a few minutes later with a penalty corner strike from 18 year old Lauren Hutchings. Wales led 3-2 at half time.
The second half saw Wales continue their good play, restricting Turkey to odd breakaways, and then extending their lead in the 27th minute through Bridget Radice at a well worked penalty corner. Turkey got to within one goal of the welsh girls before their two goal cushion was retaken again through a well worked penalty corner, this time from Annie Petherick
Wales fully deserved this victory, showing they had learnt a lot from the morning's game.
| 09.30 | Turkey | 5 | Croatia | 6 |
| 10:35 | Sweden | 1 | England | 1 |
| 11:40 | France | 11 | Wales | 1 |
| 14:55 | England | 8 | Croatia | 2 |
| 16:00 | Wales | 5 | Turkey | 3 |
| 17:05 | France | 12 | Sweden | 0 |
DAY 3: Sunday 17 January 2010
Wales Womens team ended their first foray into International competition with a solid win against a Swedish side who took the bronze medal despite this result.
Sweden started the quicker gaining an early penalty corner, which was dealt with by the Welsh defence. The game then settled down with both sides probing well and playing some good structured Indoor hockey. After 10 minutes Wales opened the scoring through Annie Petherick at a penalty corner, won after some good work down the left boards. Wales then continued to play a very structured game, defending well as a unit and offering some good attacking opportunities from the forwards.
No more goals were scored during the game and Wales were worthy winners, which earned them 4th equal placing just one point behind the Swedes in third place.
Wales showed in this game how much they had learnt over the weekend, they were disciplined as well as positive in their play and deservedly took the three points.
There were many good performances by individuals over the weekend and it would be wrong to single anybody out. Throughout the weekend the squad played as a unit and it would be fair to say that the younger members of the team really stepped up to the mark. If there was one thing to really take away from the tournament, it was the development of the under 18/21 players both on and off the pitch which bodes well for Wales in the future.
Goals came from 8 players; Annie Petherick, Bridget Radice, Laura Sugar 2 each; and one a piece for Kat Budd, Maree Thomas, Rhiannon Rogers, Bridie Davies and Lauren Hutchings.
The facilities at Rouen were perfect for the event with good playing surface and viewing area. The tournament was supported by a very helpful organising committee from the local club ans we were well supported by a good following of family and friends.
| 10:00 | Turkey | 0 | England | 10 |
| 11:05 | Wales | 1 | Sweden | 0 |
| 12:10 | Croatia | 3 | France | 9 |
Final rankings:
1st England (promoted)
2nd France (promoted)
3rd Sweden
4th Croatia
5th Wales
6th Turkey