WOMEN'S EUROHOCKEY JUNIOR NATIONS TROPHY
Bra (ITA), 25-31 July 2010
Pool A
Belgium
Poland
Czech Rep.
Azerbaijan
Austria
Pool B
Italy
Ukraine
Wales
Russia
Slovakia
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Day 1: Sunday 25 July 2010
In searing temperatures Wales began their opening game of the Euros with a match against the Ukraine.
Little did they know that the Ukraine had a secret weapon in the form a great drag flicker. Unfortunately for Wales two debateable decisions after 10 minutes of play led to two penalty corners which were converted by this player with consummate ease and power.
Wales managed to hold on for the remainder of the half because of some good goalkeeping from Sophie Trigg but just before half time a defensive error led to a third goal.
After half time Wales defended a penalty corner well, to prevent Ukraine going further into the lead. Indeed there was a period of twenty minutes when Wales played more positively and one particular move almost led to a scoring chance. However a further two errors by Wales allowed Ukraine to capitalise on their lead and slot in a further two goals
Alys Brooks in particular, worked tirelessly throughout the match and her senior experience was much in evidence. Wales now have a day off from matches but will continue to work hard in preparation for the next match versus Slovakia on Tuesday
| 09:30 | A | Azerbaijan | 0 | Belgium |
3 |
| 11:45 | A | Poland | 2 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 17:00 | B | Ukraine |
5 | Wales | 0 |
| 19:15 | B | Italy |
0 | Russia | 4 |
Day 2: Monday 26 July 2010
| 09:30 | A | Poland | 2 | Azerbaijan | 0 |
| 11:45 | A | Czech Republic | 2 | Austria | 1 |
| 17:00 | B | Ukraine | 2 | Russia | 4 |
| 19:15 | B | Italy | 11 | Slovakia | 0 |
Day 3: Tuesday 27 July 2010
Wales put themselves back into contention with a convincing victory over Slovakia
In a temperature of 35 degrees even at 5pm, Wales took to the field with high expectations of finding a win for their Coach Walid Abdo who was also celebrating his birthday. Fortunately the girls did not disappoint and ran out as comfortable winners.
The game itself however was disappointing in terms of good hockey, as the Slovakian team had clearly decided on a defensive set up which saw them pack their own 25 for much of the game. Indeed they rarely set foot in their attacking half and their circle became so crowded with players that scoring was difficult for Wales. Indeed the Slovakian goalkeeper was kept very busy throughout the game while the Welsh goalkeeper Rose Thomas was only able to swelter in the heat and be an onlooker.
However it was good to see Wales attacking hard at the onset and being awarded a succession of corners within the first quarter. Sian French slotted in the first goal after 13' with a good drag flick. Another corner saw the ball being just deflected over the goal but it was Sophie Clayton who slotted in the second goal after the goalkeeper was bypassed near the edge of the circle. Just on half time a third goal by Alys Brooks gave Wales a comfortable lead.
The second half saw the Slovakians pack the circle even tighter with their only aim being to minimise the goals. Sian French scored her second drag flick to make it 4-0 and just near the end of the match Amy Howells managed to force the ball into the top corner of the net. The victory was secured in fine fashion.
Wales always have a marvellous group of supporters on tour and this time the girls gave them goals to celebrate.
| 09:30 | A | Austria | 0 | Belgium | 6 |
| 11:45 | A | Czech Republic | 2 | Azerbaijan | 2 |
| 17:00 | B | Wales |
5 | Slovakia | 0 |
| 19:15 | B | Italy | 0 | Ukraine | 6 |
Day 4: Wednesday 28 July 2010
Wales go down 0-6 in their crucial match against Russia
Playing in the cooler temperatures of the evening, Wales knew that Russia would be a hard team to beat. It was therefore disappointing that once again they found themselves down 1-0 within 2 minutes of the start of the game. After that there was more composure for time, but the award of a penalty corner mid-way through the half gave Russia a 2-0 lead. Wales too had penalty corners but were unable to convert into goals. Again at a critical phase of play, just before half time, Wales went down to 3-0 to a penalty corner shot.
The second half saw some really good play from Wales but the ball wouldn't go into the goal. Indeed they hit the post three times but had no luck in redressing the balance. Russia went further into the lead when they slotted in a further 3 goals with some classic moves and clinical finishes.
The score was not a true reflection of game, as it was an entertaining match to watch with good play by both sides. In particular, Hannah Richardson the Welsh Captain led by example and continued to press her team forward.
Wales now play the hosts Italy in the final group match when there is likely to be many supporters in the stands and both teams playing for 3rd position in the group.
| 09:30 | A | Austria | 2 | Azerbaijan | 1 |
| 11:45 | A | Poland | 0 | Belgium | 6 |
| 17:00 | B | Slovakia | 0 | Ukraine | 19 |
| 19:15 | B | Wales | 0 | Russia | 6 |
Day 5: Thursday 29 July 2010
This was always going to be a nail-biting affair with both teams playing to reach the third position in group. The match did not disappoint in terms of excitement but the final score went in favour of Italy at the end of the day. The crowd itself was in full flow with hooters from the Italians and the Welsh contingent trying hard to make themselves heard above the din.
What was unexpected however, was the terrific thunderstorm prior to the match with the pitch covered in hail stones the size of marbles. Indeed the match looked liked being postponed at one stage but luckily the storm passed and the sun returned for a while. Typically Welsh weather!
Wales began the match being pinned in their half, but luckily they didn't succumb to any early goals. In fact it was Wales who had the first penalty corner after 14' and were unlucky not to score. However the follow up saw Alex Naughalty slam in a great goal from the right hand side and Wales were ecstatic.
Italy were not to be thwarted and they fought back just a few minutes later to force a penalty corner and equalise the score. At half time both sides were neck and neck. Shortly after the resumption of play, Italy were a little fortunate to be awarded another penalty corner which saw them take the lead. The remaineder of the match was end to end stuff but the score remained at 2-1 to Italy.
Wales fought valiantly throughout the match and were clearly disappointed not to have gained third position. Tomorrow Azerbaijan beckons at the early time of 8.30 am.
| 09:30 | A | Poland | 1 | Austria | 0 |
| 11:45 | A | Czech Republic | 2 | Belgium | 6 |
| 17:00 | B | Russia | 6 | Slovakia | 0 |
| 19:15 | B | Wales | 1 | Italy | 2 |
Day 6: Friday 30 July 2010
Despite being awarded 12 penalty corners, Wales drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan leaving them needing at least a point from their remaining match
| 08:30 | C | 5A Azerbaijan | 1 | 4B Wales | 1 |
| 10:45 | C | 4A Austria | 7 | 5B Slovakia | 0 |
| 15:30 | 5/6 | 3A Czech Republic |
1 | 3B Italy | 4 |
| 17:45 | SF1 | 2A Poland |
2 | 1B Russia | 1 |
| 20:00 | SF2 | 1A Belgium | 2 | 2B Ukraine | 1 |
Day 7: Saturday 31 July 2010
Wales maintained their place in the Trophy with a comfortable victory over Austria
This was the day of destiny for Wales. Only a win would give them the certainty of staying in the division. Played in the morning the girls were really motivated to come home in a winning vein and they did not disappoint their coaches or supporters.
The match started somewhat tentatively with both sides making mistakes. However another dubious decision gave Austria their first corner which they converted easily. Wales were behind at the beginning of the match again. Was this going to be the same story? No! Wales were galvanised into action and quickly brought the score back to 1-1 with a cracking shot from Sian French. It was shortly after this that Sophie Trig made a splendid save for Wales and this might have been regarded as the turning point of the game. Just before half time, Wales had a penalty corner awarded which was not converted, but subsequent pressure from the Welsh forwards allowed Rosie Bailey to score her first international goal. 2-1 at half time for Wales was a good score line.
Following the break Wales defended several short corners with composure and as a result held onto their lead. However as the game progressed more space became available to Wales and they played with much verve and passion. During a passage of open play, Sian French gained another opportunity to increase her goal tally and she made no mistake in putting Wales 3-1 up midway through the second half. Phoebe Richards then found herself free in middle of the field and had only the goalkeeper to beat. This she did with much coolness and Wales went further ahead. What a relief to the players and the Welsh spectators. Later on Austria were awarded a penalty stroke which they converted to make the score 4-2. Wales however were on the rampage and forced several more short corners in the dying minutes and were unlucky not to increase their lead.
This was the last match for Wales and a significant moment in their development. Only three players are not available for future matches because of their age, so it is pleasing that this group of young players will now go upwards and forwards after the experience of having played six international matches within the week.
| 08:30 | C | 5A Azerbaijan | 7 | 5B Slovakia | 0 |
| 10:45 | C | 4A Austria | 2 | 4B Wales | 4 |
| 17:00 | 3/4 | Russia |
5 | Ukraine | 1 |
| 19:45 | Final | Poland | 1 | Belgium | 4 |
Final positions
1st: Belgium (Promoted to Championships in 2012)
2nd: Poland (Promoted to Championships in 2012)
3rd: Russia
4th: Ukraine
5th: Italy
6th: Czech Republic
7th: Wales
8th: Austria
9th: Azerbaijan (Relegated to Championship III in 2012)
10th: Slovakia (Relegated to Championship III in 2012)
Match Schedule subject to amendment at the discretion of EHF or the Tournament Director.
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