JUNIOR CELTIC CUP – MEN
Cookstown (IRL), 2-4 July 2010
France
Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Day 1: Friday 2 July 2010
Having travelled to Ireland earlier in the day, Wales experienced a bad day at the office against a well drilled Ireland outfit in their first game. Ireland took the lead early in the match from a superb flick from a pc that left Adam Williams with no chance in the Welsh goal. Wales recovered in the first half and forced a number of half chances but were still one down at the break.
Wales had bright hopes in the second half but these were soon dashed as Ireland upped the ante and forced a series of penalty corners that were converted while Welsh mistakes were ruthlessly punished by the Irish forwards. 5 goals were scored between 35th and 55th minutes and while Wales finished the game the stronger they were unable to score. In truth, while Ireland were the better side, the scoreline was not a fair reflection of the balance of play.
| 14.00 | Scotland | 6 | France | 1 |
| 18.00 | Ireland | 6 | Wales | 0 |
Day 2: Saturday 3 July 2010
Wales had comfortably held Scotland in the first half in a vastly improved display on the previous night against the Irish. While Andy Hughes in the Welsh goal was the busier of the two keepers, Wales created a number of chances that they failed to convert. Wales were confident of converting their chances in the second stanza when Mugridge was dispatched for taking a free hit quickly and appearing to hit a player as he did so. From the resulting free hit, Scotland scored and converted two other chances in the 5 minutes suspension he received. The team's focus was lost and by the 60th minute were 6-0 down. Again the team finished strongly but were unable to convert the chances it created. In truth Wales need to react better to decisions that go against them and not lose focus so much. The team also needed to convert the chances it created. Revenge will very much be in the minds when the two next meet in Vienna later in the month.
| 12.00 | Scotland | 6 | Wales | 0 |
| 16.00 | Ireland | 2 | France | 0 |
Day 3: Sunday 4 July 2010
Could have, should have, didn't. This sums up Wales' perfcormamce versus the French. Wales improved still further from their earlier games but still struggled to put chances away which ultimately cost them a victory against a French team that was not in the same class as Scotland and Ireland. Wales opened their account when Max Stern who was combative throughout the tournament scored from a well worked pc routine to cancel out France's earlier goal. However, Wales again let the game slip between half time and the 55th minute as France got two goals to take an unassailable lead before Mike Shaw converted a pc to make the final 10 minutes 'edge of the seat viewing'.
Another improved performance but again no cigar for Wales but this weekend was useful preparation in terms of team play and development for the Junior EuroHockey Nations in Vienna , when Wales will be strengthened with the return of key players. The whole tournament was superbly organised by Cookstown HC and while we lost all games, everyone enjoyed the experience.
| 12.00 | Wales | 2 | France | 3 |
| 16.00 | Ireland | 4 | Scotland | 4 |
Final results
1st: Scotland
2nd: Ireland
3rd: France
4th: Wales
Match Schedule subject to amendment at the discretion of EHF or the Tournament Director.
