8th April 2010
Under 18's Travel to Scotland
The Boys and Girls Under 18 Squads travelled to Largs in Scotland for their series of three Easter internationals. It was a valuable development opportunity and the teams acquited themselves well. The heavy snow which gave concern earlier in the week was replaced by blue skies and near-summer time temperatures for the hockey event.
The Boys are photographed in their new Grays strip before their first match at the Inverclyde Sports Centre, Largs.
Boys match reports
Saturday 3 April
Result 0 –1
A day of discovery for the Wales's boys in this first international for the season, Wales pushed the ball forward with purpose and determination and despite several PC's failed to convert their chances. Fitness levels were tested to the utmost and perhaps it was this lack of fitness that led to the Scottish goal in the last 5 minutes. George Ratcliffe in goal performed heroics to keep the Scot's out but was finally beaten by a short range shot. Both the crowd and coaching staff were impressed by the effort of both teams and agreed that with perhaps a few more favourable decisions by the umpires a draw would have been acceptable to both teams.
Sunday 4 April
Result 3 –4
After some discussion on their performance on the Saturday Wales started brightly and took the upper hand. The Scots had been warned by their management that a backlash could be expected and for the first few minutes Wales pressed hard and high, however it was Scotland who led through a well practised PC routine. Scotland found themselves 3 – 1 up interspersed by a Freddie Campbell goal for Wales through a hat trick of PC's before Wales really stared to be effective and soon were back on level terms through Gareth Furlong and Rhys Davies with 10 minutes to play. Against the run of play Scotland broke away after a turn over ball and scored in the last 5 minutes to win 4-3.
Monday 5 April
Result 2–3
Wales were taken by surprise by the speed of the Scotland team and opened the scoring.
This simply spurred the Welsh into more activity and it was a duly deserved goal from Alex Humphrey and then jack Carr that gave Wales a 2-1 lead. With 13 minutes to play Scotland forced the equaliser and then in overtime Scotland found the back of the net from a PC to have their third win in three days over the Welsh.
