MEN'S EUROHOCKEY JUNIOR NATIONS TROPHY
Vienna (AUT), 25-31 July 2010
Up-to-the-minute news is available on the Wales Under-21 Men's blog
Pool A
Scotland
Italy
Wales
Azerbaijan
Pool B
Austria
Belarus
Ukraine
Czech Republic
Day 1: Sunday 25 July 2010
Wales went down to a well drilled and organised Scotland side today in the opening match of the 2010 Junior Nations Trophy in Vienna. Wales started with a bang with captain Nick Rees finishing off a smash and grab raid in the 2' following good work by midfielders Rob Mugridge and Nils Lloyd-Penny. Wales were on top of their game at this point and Scotland looked rattled but as the half wore on, Scotland dominated possession as Wales failed to keep hold of the ball and in the 19' following a loose pass in Scotland's final third saw John Harris run 40 metres to score a reverse stick shot past Adam Williams in the Wales goal. Williams made some fine saves in goal to keep the score at 1-1 at half time.
The second half saw Scotland increase the pressure on Wales and dominated possession for long periods. When Wales did get the ball, Scotland pressed hard and forced turnovers a plenty but resolute defending and team spirit kept the game even until the 55' when Scotland scored a penalty corner that was dispatched by Josh Cairns into the top right hand corner of the goal. Wales went further behind three minutes later as Scotland scored following another turnover by Wales as the ball was squared across the goal for John Harris to score his second goal. Wales kept pressing hard but despite a number of penalty corners failed to reduce the deficit and Scotland scored their 4th when Alan Forsyth converted a penalty flick following a late penalty corner offence by Wales.
Plenty of spirit was shown by Wales but ultimately Scotland were the more composed side and showed the benefit of their extensive pre-tournament programme. Wales now face minnows Azerbaijan tomorrow to keep their hopes of a promotion spot alive.
| 10:30 | A | Scotland | 4 | Wales | 1 |
| 12:45 | A | Italy | 9 | Azerbaijan | 1 |
| 15:00 | B | Belarus | 2 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 17:15 | B | Austria | 4 | Ukraine | 1 |
Day 2: Monday 26 July 2010
Wales kept themselves in contention for a promotion play off spot with a solid performance against Azerbaijan and now need to focus minds on beating Italy on Wednesday. Wales started with a bang again with skipper Nick Rees forcing a point blank save from the Azeri keeper within the first 30 seconds and set the tone for the match. Wales dominated possession but despite a number of clear chances, failed to score while at the other end Andy Hughes in the Welsh goal made a double save to keep the score at nil nil. As the half wore on, Wales continued to dominate possession but a combination of saves, uneven bounces and poor final balls meant that a frustrated Wales went in at half time level.
Wales continued in the same vein in the second stanza with Rees, Prosser and Gowman all going close only to be denied by last ditch defending or some point blank saves from the keeper. Penalty corners had proved troublesome in the first half but it was from a set piece that Wales opened the scoring: Mike Shaw powering an unstoppable drag flick into the top of the Azeri net in the 40'. Within two minutes, the scoreline had doubled with Rhys Gowman drilling a ball past a despairing Azeri keeper. Wales were now full of confidence and began to play some nice hockey as their opponents tired and resorted to theatrics to give their team a breather from Wales' power play. Wales forced more penalty corners and with Shaw off the pitch for a spell, veteran U21 Ben Carless powered a low drag flick into the goal to make the score 3-0 on 53'.
Wales continued to press hard and over-powered the lightweight Azeris while the Welsh full backs snuffed out any breaks made by their opponents. Wales made the score 4-0 when Shaw's replacement, Gareth Furlong, produced an identical drag flick to Shaw on 63'. More chances followed but went unconverted to leave Wales with only four goals to show for their dominance.
This was a much needed win for the Welsh team and showed that when focused, they can produce some good hockey. However, while a team can only beat the opposition put in front of it, they will reflect still on too many turnovers conceded and that the ball still needs to be respected more in their crunch game with the Italians on Wednesday.
| 15:00 | A | Wales |
4 | Azerbaijan | 0 |
| 17:15 | A | Italy | 3 | Scotland |
5 |
Day 3: Tuesday 27 July 2010
| 15:00 | B | Ukraine | 0 | Czech Republic | 3 |
| 17:15 | B | Belarus | 0 | Austria | 2 |
Day 4: Wednesday 28 July 2010
Wales qualify for the Semi Finals with an storming 3-0 victory over Italy
Wales stormed into a promotion semi final against hosts Austria with a composed and disciplined performance against Italy on Wednesday. While the game stats show that Wales only entered the 'D' 10 times to Italy's 20, Wales made better use of possession and, crucially, demonstrated the passion to succeed with a number of players playing despite stomach upsets.
Wales started the game slowly, unlike previous games, and took their time to get into the game. The Italians had a lot of possession but despite a number of penalty corners failed to capitalise while Wales's defence held firm while the Welsh forwards were busy, threatening the Italian back line. As the first half progressed, it was nip and tuck all the way with both defences neutralising attacks but right at the end of the half, the energetic Dolan-Gray threaded a through ball past the advancing keeper for the diminutive Dafydd Bury to make sure with a tap in with seconds to go before the break.
Wales opened the second half the stronger and acted on the words of coach Phil Gooderham to remain composed and focused. Wales forced a penalty corner on 40' following a run from the ill Lloyd-Penny that forced him off the pitch for the rest of the game. From the PC, Gareth Furlong powered an unstoppable flick past the Italian defence to make the score 2-0 and ease Welsh nerves. Wales continued to hold firm and a number of fine saves from Adam Williams at penalty corners alongside effective defence paid dividends when a fine move involving Prosser, Mugridge and Dolan-Gray saw the ball squared to Rees for the skipper to tap the ball into the unguarded net. At 3-0 with 15 minutes to go, Wales continued to use their bench wisely and defended with aplomb. With three minutes to go, Gowman was yellow carded for not retreating but Wales killed time through conceding a number of penalty corners. The hooter sounded and Wales celebrated a victory that gives them the chance to be promoted into the Championship division on Friday.
Wales are getting better all the time and developing a robust yet intelligent style of play. Wednesday's game saw the senior players show their class with Prosser, Rees and Dolan Gray all prominent. At the back, Bond and Trem were resolute while Carless had his most effective game of the tournament so far. Effective preparation was key to this success and this will be the key for the game against Austria on Friday. However, Wales still need to retain the ball better and ensure that opponents do not easily penetrate its 'D'.
| 10:30 | A | Scotland | 10 | Azerbaijan | 0 |
| 12:45 | A | Wales | 3 | Italy | 0 |
| 15:15 | B | Ukraine | 5 | Belarus | 1 |
| 17:30 | B | Austria | 3 | Czech Republic | 3 |
Day 5: Thursday 29 July 2010 – Rest day
Day 6: Friday 30 July 2010
Nils Lloyd-Penny was the hero as Wales gained promotion to the Championship division for the first time in 20 years with a come from behind victory against hosts Austria. Wales trailed at half time despite dominating possession from one of the Austrians only threatening attacks. All players were focused and determined to succeed where other teams had failed and Wales started the game with purpose, moving the ball well across the park. It was a surprise then when Austria nipped in and scored a neat goal against the run of play. Despite this setback and forcing a number of clear chances, Wales did not lose heart and continued to press as the half progressed. Wales also suffered a yellow card against Tim Fuller on the stroke of half time and had to start the second half with ten men.
Wales comfortably held the Austrians while reduced to ten men and with ten minutes gone, Wales were level following their first penalty corner of the second half, Ben Carless powering home a loose ball following the initial flick. It was all Wales now as wave upon wave of attacks rained on the Austrians and it only seemed a matter of time before Wales capitalised on their possession and took the lead. However, Austria regained some composure and caused some nervy moments but the Welsh defence led by Bond and Trem held firm and as the match entered the final 10 minutes, the game flowed from end to end. Another Welsh penalty corner saw the ball squirt to Lloyd-Penny who drilled the ball into the goal from 5 yards out prompting huge celebrations on the Welsh bench and among their loyal supporters. A tense final few moments ensued as Austria pressed and Wales were reduced to ten again as Owain Dolan-Gray was punished for a dangerous tackle. However, as the ball soared over the benches following a Mike Shaw clearance, the hooter sounded and Wales joyously celebrated their victory.
This was Wales's best performance of the tournament as they held onto possession well, created good chances that on another day would have seen the team win comfortably and above all, showed the fight that characterises this set of players. This was also a win that made up for past failures in semi finals from U16, U18 and, for some, senior level. It was fitting then that Lloyd-Penny scored the winning goal. Wales now face Scotland in the gold medal match tomorrow. More importantly, the result sees Wales promoted to the Championship division in 2012 where they will face amongst others, Spain, Germany, Holland and their fiercest rivals, England.
| 10:00 | C | 4A Azerbaijan | 2 | 3B Ukraine | 2 |
| 12:15 | C | 3A Italy | 2 | 4B Belarus | 4 |
| 15:00 | SF1 | 2A Wales | 2 | 1B Austria | 1 |
| 17:30 | SF2 | 1A Scotland | 7 | 2B Czech Republic | 1 |
Day 7: Saturday 31 July 2010
Despite suffering a heavy defeat to Scotland, Wales took away the silver medal and together with their fellow Celts, won promotion to the Championship division in 2012.
After the emotions of 24 hours previously, Wales succumbed to a slick Scottish outfit in the final as both minds and bodies flagged after 6 games in 9 days. However, Wales started the game brightly and carved a number of opportunities that on another day would have been taken so it was a surprise when in the 20' that Scotland took the lead with a Josh Cairns drag flick from their only foray into Wales's D. This was a hammer blow to the tired Welsh and within 5 minutes Scotland had increased their lead when Kenny Bains powered a reverse stick shot into the roof of Adam Williams' goal. Wales changed their tactics but another swift breakout from Scotland saw Alan Forsyth score in a one on one with Williams to make the score 3-0 at the break.
After the break, Scotland showed why they were the best team at the tournament as their superior fitness and conditioning told in firing in 6 further goals. By this time Wales were spent and while they kept on going to the final hooter, they were ultimately outclassed. Nonetheless, Wales can reflect on achieving an historic promotion to A division which was just reward for many years of patience and hard work. The success was achieved against the odds as unavailability at each training camp had hampered preparations but Wales were the second best side at this tournament and deserved their success. In particular, the success of achieving Silver were a just reward for players who had missed out previously and for their parents who have spent their time and money over the past few years following Wales in tournaments.
Now Wales must look to the future and prepare thoroughly for the Championship division in two years time as they will need to beat Scotland to survive in the top group. That process needs to start now but, for this moment in time, all involved in Welsh hockey should bask in the glow of success that this group of players has achieved. This group had skill but more importantly the grit, determination and team spirit to succeed. They were a pleasure to be around and no other team there had the same sense of cohesion that Wales had.
| 10:00 | C | 4A Azerbaijan | 2 | 4B Belarus | 3 |
| 12:15 | C | 3A Italy | 2 | 3B Ukraine | 3 |
| 15:00 | 3/4 | Austria | 3 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 17:30 | Final | Wales | 0 | Scotland | 9 |
Final positions
1st: Scotland (Promoted to Championship in 2012)
2nd: Wales (Promoted to Championship in 2012)
3rd: Austria
4th: Czech Republic
5th: Ukraine
6th: Belarus
7th: Italy
8th: Azerbaijan
(Relegated to Championship III in 2012)
Match Schedule subject to amendment at the discretion of EHF or the Tournament Director.
