U-18 FOUR NATIONS (GIRLS)
Cork (IRL), 16-19 July 2010
England
Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Day 1: Friday 16 July 2010
The much improving Wales U18 girls' team produced an outstanding performance against their English counterparts in the opening game of the 4 Nations Tournament in Ireland. In an enthralling game that saw the Positive Weather Solutions Ltd sponsored Wales losing out 2-1, the match produced end to end play for long periods of the game. England took the lead with a controversial decision over a penalty corner conversion within 4 minutes. However Wales fought back and had several goal scoring opportunities especially with one on one situations with the goalkeeper. In actual fact both goalkeepers had outstanding games.
The score remained 1-0 at the break with England failing to convert 5 short corners in the closing minutes of the half. The Wales team had pressed hard in the first half with England struggling to deal with the enthusiasm of the opposition.
After the interval England started with renewed vigour and increased their lead through a well worked short corner with a deflection into the bottom right hand corner. Goalkeeper Rose Thomas had absolutely no chance and had she not had such a superb game then the score line could well have been different. This gave Wales added impetus and they continued to attack the England defence and forced several short corners. The result of one gave a goal to Rebecca Treharne after a well worked routine with Jo Westwood delivering a fine accurate pass for Wales's goal to be scored. Wales continued to push for the equaliser with a number of short corners and open play but the final execution for a goal eluded them.
The relief to the opposition at the final whistle shows just how far this squad has developed with them pushing one of the top U-18 team in Europe.
Overall an excellent team performance led by captain Lucy Thayer well supported in midfield by vice captain Katie Griffiths and Stephanie Williams with their work rate and constructive play.
| 20:00 | England | 2 | Wales | 1 |
Day 2: Saturday 17 July 2010
A lacklustre performance against Ireland resulted in a disappointing 2-0 defeat. The home nation playing in their first match of the tournament were fresh and obviously eager to win for the home crowd. The first goal conceded in the early minutes of the game was from a short corner, the striker cleanly shooting low to the left hand corner. The Irish produced some good out letting creating attacks to penetrate the Wales defence. Although Wales created several pleasing attacking opportunities they were unable to convert any of the chances they had. Phoebe Richards displayed speed and athleticism in her centre forward role creating problems for the Irish defence, with good support play from half backs Stephanie Williams and Katie Griffiths.
In the latter stages of the games the Wales girls fought hard and showed much improved patterns of play and discipline. However the win was sealed for the home side in the 63' when Vanessa Surgenor scored from open play. With all to play for tomorrow Wales are looking for an improved performance in their final match against Scotland.
| 16:00 | England | 2 | Scotland | 1 |
| 18:00 | Ireland | 2 | Wales | 0 |
Day 3: Sunday 18 July 2010
Wales rejuvenated side after Saturday's game started with great determination and vigour. They attacked the Scottish side whilst operating on the full press system forcing several short corners early on. Wales with reduced squad numbers due to injuries had several players forced to play out position. In particular Lucy Thayer (Capt) and Stephanie Williams changing to step into the back line of defence. They worked with composure and tireless energy throughout the game. Unfortunately a short corner in the latter stages of the first half resulted in Scotland taking the lead. A tactical switch of players at the start of the second half saw Wales dominate for long period of time. Their fluent play resulted in numerous short corners, before Nakita James followed a rebound with force to equal the score. Wales then continued to pressure and should have sealed a win after several short corners were awarded but failed to score. Unfortunately a lack of concentration led to the Scottish side capitalising on this and scored from a short corner with 7 minutes remaining.
| 16:00 | Wales | 1 | Scotland | 2 |
| 18:00 | Ireland | 1 | England | 0 |
Day 4: Monday 19 July 2010
| 11:00 | Ireland | 0 | Scotland | 1 |
Final positions
1st: Ireland (6 pts)
2nd:England (6 pts)
3rd:Scotland (6 pts)
4th: Wales (0 pts)
Back to Competitions 2009/10 Welsh National Squads U18 Girls
