EUROHOCKEY INDOOR CLUB CHAMPIONS CHALLENGE I - MEN
Lousada (POR), 18-20 February 2011
Pool A
Racing Club de Bruxelles (BEL)
HK Triglav Predanovci (SLO)
HK Zelina (CRO)
Whitchurch (WAL)
Pool B
AD Lousada (POR)
Epitok SC (HUN)
Pembroke Wanderers (IRE)
SK Senkvice (SVK)
DAY 1: Friday 18 February 2011
In what was their first game representing Wales in an indoor tournament, Whitchurch got off to the best possible start with Mark Whatling scoring twice in the first 6'. Triglav pulled a goal back just before the break but three quick goals from Whatling and Joe Naughalty (2) put the game beyond reach of the Slovenians. Whitchurch conceded three late goals but thouroughly deserved the victory.
In their second match the Welsh representatives again took a two goal lead, only to be held back by two soft goals to turn round at 2-2. Despite having a number of chances to clinch the game it was the Croatian's who took five points when converting a penalty corner with just 2' left on the clock. By virtue of the scoring system used Whitchurch still pick up 1 point in this close game and hold 2nd place in their pool but will be looking to get a result against the top seeded Racing Club de Bruxelles tomorrow morning.
| 10:30 | A | Racing Club de Bruxelles | 10 | HK Zelina | 2 |
| 11:40 | A | HK Triglav Predanovci | 4 | Whitchurch | 5 |
| 12:50 | B | AD Lousada | 7 | Pembroke Wanderers | 3 |
| 14:00 | B | Epitok SC | 3 | SK Senkvice | 3 |
| 15:30 | A | HK Zelina | 3 | Whitchurch | 2 |
| 16:40 | A | HK Triglav Predanovci | 0 | Racing Club de Bruxelles | 7 |
| 17:50 | B | Pembroke Wanderers | 0 | SK Senkvice | 5 |
| 19:00 | B | Epitok SC | 2 | AD Lousada | 10 |
DAY 2: Saturday 19 February 2011
Despite starting brightly Whitchurch conceded early goals to fall 0-4 behind. However two goals gave them confidence to go into the second half still in the match against the tournament favourites. A further Welsh goal put the Belgians under severe pressure but their oppostions superior penalty corner conversion made all the difference with them scoring three goals to leave Whitchurch in 3rd place in the Pool. However being the only team to carry 5 points into the relegation pool by virtue of their earlier win they need one further win to remain in this division.
In their second match of the day Whitchurch found themselves 1-4 down at half time. However they had all the play in the second half with a Ben Croxall penalty corner reducing the arrears befor Mark Whatling brought them back to within 1 goal with 5' left of the half. A disallowed goal meant that Whitchurch finished the game 3-4 and although they are in second place in the relegation battle, with all 4 teams still in with a chance of retaining their place in the division, a result is required in the Welsh teams final match against Pembroke Wanderers tomorrow to ensure they remain in Challenge 1.
| 09:30 | A | Racing Club de Bruxelles | 7 | Whitchurch | 3 |
| 10:40 | A | HK Zelina | 10 | HK Triglav Predanovci | 1 |
| 11:50 | B | AD Lousada | 2 | SK Senkvice | 2 |
| 13:00 | B | Pembroke Wanderers | 3 | Epitok SC | 3 |
| 16:00 | D | 4th Pool A HK Triglav Predanovci | 4 | 4th Pool B Pembroke Wanderers | 3 |
| 17:10 | D | 3rd Pool A Whitchurch | 3 | 3rd Pool B Epitok SC | 4 |
| 18:20 | C | 2nd Pool A Zelina | 4 | 2nd Pool B SK Senkvice | 3 |
| 19:30 | C | 1st Pool A Racing Club de Bruxelles | 4 | 1st Pool B AD Lousada | 4 |
DAY 3: Sunday 20 February 2011
Whitchurch were in no mood to lose to their Irish oppostion and started the game at a furious pace. Naughalty
scored to settle any nerves but even after Pembroke drew level Whatling converted a penalty corner to take a 2-1 lead at the break. In what was a frantic second half with both clubs knowing defeat would see them relegated, Naughalty scored a further 3 goals to just 1 in reply to comfortably win the game 5-2. After being brought up from the II Division due to withdrawals, Whitchurch can be justifiably proud of finishing 5th in their first ever Indoor tournament.
| 10:30 | D | 4th Pool A HK Triglav Predanovci | 4 | 3rd Pool B Epitok SC | 4 |
| 11:40 | D | 3rd Pool A Whitchurch | 5 | 4th Pool B Pembroke Wanderers | 2 |
| 13:00 | C | 2nd Pool A HK Zelina | 3 | 1st Pool B AD Lousada | 7 |
| 14:10 | C | 1st Pool A Racing Club de Bruxelles | 8 | 2nd Pool B SK Senkvice | 1 |
Final positions
1st: Racing Club de Bruxelles (BEL) (promoted to Trophy in 2012)
2nd: AD Lousada (POR) (promoted to Trophy in 2012)
3rd: HK Zelina (CRO)
4th: SK Senkvice (SVK)
5th: Whitchurch (WAL)
6th: Epitok SC (HUN)
7th: HK Triglav Predanovci (SLO) (relegated to Challenge II in 2012)
8th: Pembroke Wanderers (IRE) (relegated to Challenge II in 2012)
