Test matches against Ireland (Wales Senior Men)
Wrexham, 6/7 June 2009
Photo © Andrew Miller
Photo © Andrew Miller
Photo © Andrew Miller
Wales took on Ireland in a 2 match test series at Wrexham as a curtain raiser to the EuroNations Trophy in August. It was an excellent test for the squad on home turf in front of an enthusiastic crowd undaunted by the extremely wet conditions. The Major of Wrexham, Arwel Jones; Assembly Member for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths; European Hockey’s Manager of Competitions, Steve Catton; Vice Chancellor of Glyndwr Mike Scott; were joined by the Manchester City Manager, Mark Hughes and many other hockey enthusiasts in the crowd for Sunday’s Glyndwr Cup match.
Day 1: Saturday 6th June
Wales 0, Ireland 1
Wales dominated the early exchanges on Saturday in raining conditions that did not help both side to play flowing hockey. Wales created chances to take the lead but found the Irish keeper Harte in good form. Ireland converted a short corner in the 47th minute to take the lead. Wales pressed hard to equalise but could not find the net. Harte made a good save in the dying minutes to deny Wales from getting the equaliser.
Zak Jones, head coach said "Wales played well as a squad today but we need to convert the chances we create when dominating play."
After the game Matt Ruxton and Andy Cornick were presented with their 50th caps and Rufus Barrington-McNaught his first.
Day 2: Sunday 7th June
Wales 1, Ireland 3
The game was again played in heavy unseasonable rain. Wales struggled to keep up with the Irish flowing hockey. Nevertheless, there was little of danger until Ireland converted a short corner in the 15th minute to take the lead. After a sustained period of possession and territorial dominance by Ireland during which Lee Ible was kept busy in goal Ireland doubled their lead again through a second short corner going bottom left.
In the second half Wales, came out with a purpose and started brightly creating a couple of chances in open play. Again in the period that they dominated Wales failed to score and it was Ireland who netted their 3rd goal in the 53rd minute. Wales continued to press to the end and were eventually rewarded with a goal when a foul on Joe Naughlty led to a penalty stroke, smoothly converted by Rick Gay.
Zak Jones commented that: "Wales did not value the ball today and ended up chasing the game."
Ireland were presented with the Glyndwr Cup by Assembly Member for Wrexham, Lesley Griffiths.
Matt Ruxton thanked the crowd for their support and invited them back in August when he said: "Wales will produce a different result".
Further pictures of the Wales v Ireland match are available for purchase
See Andrew Miller's PhotoBox gallery
Alternatively to buying individual photos the games' photos are available on one CD for £15. Cheques can be made payable to Andrew Miller, 19 Orchard Gate, Bradley Stoke, Bristol, BS320HN. Please note that these images are not for resale and use in any publications or websites should be notified to Andrew Miller for reference.
