10th April 2010
Wales Under-18 Girls show metal in Scotland
The scent of victory
Wales Test Squad in Scotland
Wales U18 Girls showed some metal during their recent vist to Scotland to complete their first international duties of the year. Honours were even over the 3 games, but it was great to see the squad bounce back from an early defeat to taste victory on day 2. Of interest, the girls teams were the first players to participate in a match on a newly laid surface that has been prepared in readiness for the Commonwealth Games to be held in Glasgow 2014.
Saturday 3rd April: Result 1 – 6
Unfortunately the result of 6-1 against did not reflect the game especially with Wales in the first period showing the initiative. However the opposition took the upper hand and six errors for Wales proved costly. Wales were unfortunate to have two goals disallowed but pulled one back through Emily Rose Haynes after a piercing run down the left flank into the circle and slip neatly past the goalkeeper.
Sunday 4th April: Result 3 - 0
The Sunday match saw a transformed Wales side with a determination and desire to play good hockey and take their game to the opposition. Their free flowing style gave the midfield and forwards plenty of opportunities to test the Scottish defense. Nakita James after tenacious play on the left, followed onto a difficult ball half volleying into the goal giving the keeper no chance at all. This goal three minutes before the interval gave Wales a well deserved lead and a further confidence. In the second half Wales continued their pressure and any dangers were dealt with confidently in the defence ably marshalled by Captain Rose Thomas in goal. Wales had been awarded several penalty corners but it was not until the 38th minute that Ceri Jenkins deflected Rhi Lavins shot to give Wales a 2-0 lead. The victory was sealed making the score line a convincing 3-0 win when Rosie Bailey took the opportunity of scoring from a loose ball in front of goal.
Monday 5th April: Result 2 – 2
The final match of the series was played in wind and rain for the first half – a total contrast from the previous two days. From the outset the tempo was high with Wales gaining, but not capitalizing on several short corners. It was the home side that took the lead from a well-taken short corner after 16 minutes - a shock to the Wales team and against the run of play. This however gave them the additional impetus needed and through hard work they equalized ten minutes from the interval. Captain of the day Katie Griffiths added her name to the score sheet after penetrating skilful play, turning a defender and placing past the keeper. The second half saw Scotland take the lead through yet another penalty corner conceded shortly after the restart. However it only took Wales 10 minutes to even the score. An effective drag flick from Hannah Goss at a short corner gave Rosie Bailey the opportunity to score her second goal of the tournament from a rebound. With tiredness setting in and the desire for a result both teams lost players for a time after cards were awarded. The Wales team showed their strength of character playing the last ten minutes of the game with ten players. The games over the weekend proved invaluable for the international squad and their forthcoming fixtures over the summer.
