Wales Veterans Men's & Ladies Hockey - 3 Nations, Edinburgh, June 2009
Edinburgh (SCO), 20th - 21st June 2009
29th June 2009
Men's 3 Nations Tournament Reports
Men's 55s squad
Men's 45s Squad
Les Malinovszky and Chris Wall
Wales over 45 men crossed the Scotland border with high hopes of bringing home the silverware. With four games over two days completed, the aches & pains subsiding and our voices coming back, not sure whether from shouting on the pitch or singing in the evening, we look back on a fantastic weekend and forward to more of the same.
A large proportion of the 45 men's team nearly did not make the Saturday start for the tournament with flight delays at Cardiff Airport causing a need to mingle with various stag and hen parties heading for Edinburgh. Other members of the squad were left to leisurely take train rides, supported by a few bottles of quality red wine and others drove. Irrespective of the travel method, being the prime athletes that we are, our alcohol intake was restricted and but once we got pitchside for a 9am start Saturday the travel was still in our legs.
England were the first challenge and we had to contend with their very compact, fast paced passing game and our defense were severely tested in the early stages suffering short corner and penalty stroke goals in the first ten minutes. As the game settled the Welsh midfield dominated the game for long periods but failed to convert this into goal scoring opportunities even allowing for the tireless work of attackers Ian Davies, Mike Kyriakides and Steve (Spud) Murphy. Billy Barletta in goals performed to a very high standard but some "interesting" umpiring decisions eventually saw England run out 4 - 0 winners. Wales lost midfielder Steve Thomas thorough injury gaining his first full international cap in this game - a theme that was to follow the squad as the weekend unfolded.
After the energy-sapping encounter with England, the Welsh squad had just an hour and a half to recover before facing their Scottish hosts. The game would prove to be a severe test of stamina and resilience with the Scots having home advantage and a playing schedule that saw them start fresh with a lie in and a full breakfast to support the action to come.
As expected, the Scots started the stronger, and soon took the lead against a tired looking Welsh 11 with a well-worked penalty corner. Wales finished the half strongly and managed to level the scores by half time after a strong run from Mike Kyriakides was ended illegally by a Scottish defender conceding a penalty stroke. Chris Wall stepped up and coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to score. The second half saw the Welsh team go behind again despite having the majority of possession and having played the better hockey. As the Welsh pushed forward looking for an equaliser, gaps started appearing at the back which the speedy Scottish forward-line exploited to take a 3-1 lead with less than 10 minutes left on the clock. As pressure told, stalwart central defenseman, Mark Joseph was the next injury loss with one of his trademark jab tackles causing a hamstring to call time. Welsh captain Bob Fleck then threw caution to the wind to get his team back into the game. This tactic was nearly disastrous and, but for a fine triple save from international debutant goalkeeper Andy Cox, the Scots would have ended Welsh hopes. Then with only 3 minutes remaining, the Welsh pressure was rewarded with a penalty corner. A beautifully worked routine (we even practiced it the week before!!) saw Rob Blacklidge steal in unnoticed at the far post to bring the score back to 3-2. The last 3 minutes saw wave after wave of Welsh attacks repelled by the Scots until with only seconds remaining on the clock, the Welsh sweeper, Les Malinovszky showed the attackers how to do it. Receiving the ball outside the D and after rounding the last defender, dived at full stretch to fire a reverse stick shot over the advancing goal-keeper into the roof of the net scoring his first ever goal in Welsh colours. With no time left to restart the game, the honours were shared with the result standing at 3 goals apiece. The ensuing celebratory "pile on" occurred magnificently albeit in slow motion (we are vets after all in the last seconds of a game) and several of the lads not having the "legs" to make the breakdown, unlike their Lions compadres would do later in the afternoon. Les was last seen describing his goal to a group of bemused Japanese tourists on the Royal Mile.
The headline should read "Wonder goal from Les earns Wales a last gasp draw" but the scorer Les wrote this bit but even the captain was taken by surprise by the excellence of the finish but failed to make the "pile on" on account of bring in defense and it being too far to run to join in.
An excellent social evening started in the early afternoon for some with the British Lions being watched failing to achieve the heights of performance that some of the vets had attained earlier in the day. The close Lions loss was tempered by good food and believe it or not strawberry beer!! Onward, the touring groups grafted to arrive in a superb venue called Playfair Library Hall. The neo-classical interior of the Library Hall featured an arched and coffered ceiling, a bit like the heights achieved by Les's goal earlier in the day. Excellent short speeches were had, great food and more wine accompanied banter, stories of old, but not too old, and further descriptions of Les's goal. Splinter parties then merged into the throngs in the Grass Market for further merriment and mixing with the thousands attending the Edinburgh film festival. Many returned to their accommodation, mixing as they did with 15,000 people completing the Cancer Charity Moon Walk on Saturday night, Sunday morning.
A beautiful Sunday morning saw the squad breakfasting with many of the same Moon walkers. That walking theme must have rubbed off as the team then proceeded to walk into the first game of the morning against the English. The Wales boys had lost another player, Les Malinovszky, this time with injured ribs - he says from an Englishman on the pitch the day before but we suspect from the Japanese tourists who mobbed him thinking strangely that he was a famous film star over for the festival. With limited defensives partners, late notice call up international debutant Tony Price came to the fore even more than his performances on the Saturday. Showing true Bridgend grit he not only repelled the marauding English but also assisted with strong penalty corner striking to claim at least half a goal. Solid midfield drive from Mal Thomas and swift thinking and passing from Mal Evans kept the English working but with the result at 2 - 5 to the English we were left thinking "what if" had we had full compliment of fit players.
The final game against Scotland saw two players step in to fill further injury withdrawals. Firstly Gary Cope, the evergreen Over 55 Swansea midfielder supported with tireless running and not inconsiderable skill to be followed by goalkeeper Billy Barletta picking up his first international outfield cap. This level of contribution and commitment typified the attitude of the squad over the weekend and with lungs hanging out at the game end they reflected on a well earned draw against the Scots, who having home advantage and an 18 man squad to choose from, wondered why Wales and Scotland had been able to draw twice - Les would say it had something to do with his goal but ask the Japanese tourists about that.
45 Men's Tournament Organiser Mike McInally called all players to the pitch after the final match for a few celebratory words. Few had thoughts other than a shower, rest and beer but to top it all off Chris Wall from Swansea HC was awarded the 45 Men's group Man of the Tournament Award. His consistent central defensive performance was key to this award as was his swallow dive in the "pile on" when Les scored his goal - did we mention the goal again?
Big Footnote
Our thanks go out to the three Scottish organisers without which the whole event would not have happened. John Connaghan, Mike McInally and Babs Buglass together with Welsh squad co-ordinators Jane and Bernie Wheeler.
As expected, England provided stiff opposition for Wales in the opening game of the Home Nations Over 55s tournament at Peffermill in Edinburgh. Wales had the better of the opening exchanges, with Bernie Wheeler (right midfield) repeatedly forcing the English midfield back and pressurising their defence. Unfortunately Wheeler pulled a hamstring after 20 minutes and Wales failed to capitalise on the three short corners and a number of half chances created during this opening phase, their best period of the match. As the first half wore on England regained their composure. Repeated attacks launched down their right flank provided left back Phil Bond with a stern test for his first veterans cap. He coped well, ably supported by central defenders Martin Brough and Pete Martineau. Half time 0-0.
In the second half England's quick breaks were a constant worry and the Welsh midfield pair (Gary Cope and Andy Ible) put in a huge effort, fortunately when the defence was breached goalkeeper John Hardman was in great form, making three crucial saves. The Welsh effort never faltered as they searched for that elusive win over England; however the draw (0-0) was probably a fair result.
Our hosts Scotland arranged to play their first game against Wales only 90 minutes later... unfortunately for the Welsh squad the tremendous effort expended during the tight game England was to prove too crucial. In a tight first half (0-0), Wales had a few chances, and came the closest to scoring. However, as the second half wore on tired legs, tired tackles and verbal indiscipline crept in as umpiring decisions were disputed. Inevitably Scotland got on top and scored the crucial first goal midway through half. Welsh energy reserves were on empty as the Scots scored twice more in the last few minutes.
Having played so well against England the defeat to Scotland was extremely disappointing. Later in the afternoon England comfortably beat Scotland 2-0.
On the Sunday morning Wales were again playing first... this time against Scotland. The early exchanges were close, with a confident Scotland pressing hard. Wales were countering well and midway through the first half a fast break down the right by Steve Sparkes resulted in the ball being squared to Martin Kavanagh for Wales first goal of the weekend. Scotland attacks were being met by a resolute welsh defence and midfield that was beginning to take control. Half Time Wales winning 1-0.
The second half was dominated by Wales with the midfield trio of Ian Johnson, Ible and Cope stretching the Scots. A few early chances were missed before Sparkes got that all important second goal; with a fierce shot following good work down the Welsh right by Ian Towler. Wales substitutions kept the pressure up and Sparkes grabbed his second with 10 minutes to go following a good run by Ible. The fourth goal came from a short corner when skipper Ian Johnson slipped the ball to brother Ben for a close range deflection. The same pair combined for the fifth goal with only minutes to go. The 5-0 win put Saturday's injustice in perspective.
Guess who had to play 90 minutes later? Yep it was Wales again, and inevitably it proved too big a task. England won 3-0, but the game gave the welsh bench a good work out and the selectors a chance to look at some of the substitutes prior to the European Championships in Paris in September. On Sunday afternoon England comfortably beat Scotland 5-0.
Captain Ian Johnson was extremely proud of his team's efforts, with the deserved draw against England being particularly encouraging. This result hopefully gives Wales the belief that they can compete with the top European sides (England, Germany and Holland) in Paris.
29th June 2009
Ladies 3 Nations Tournament Reports
Women's Vets Haka!
The Welsh women fielded both an O40 and O45 team at the International Veterans Hockey Championship in Edinburgh at the weekend and pre departure organizations was superb being managed and organised by the ever efficient Jackie Willa. Many flew but an equal number boarded a coach on Friday morning for the long drive to the North. Bryn, the mascot and assorted beverages supported the travel and they still beat the Welsh 45 men who were still stranded in the airport.
The Wales O40s had the unenviable task of playing England, the reigning Champions, in the opening game of the tournament. The England team, who had just returned from a tour of Croatia playing and beating the Croatian National team, proved to be too strong for the Welsh team. The English took every opportunity in front of goal and while there were ‘flashes' of brilliance from the Welsh, England dominated play from start to finish running out 10-1 winners. The Welsh consolation goal was a penalty corner strike from Jo Page.
In their second game of the day Wales O40s played Scotland. This was a much closer contest. Wales took the lead through a Dawn Gallagher goal midway through the first half but Scotland equalized just before half time. Both sides battled hard but when the Scots took the lead it proved too hard a task for the tired Welsh. Scotland won 2-1.
The Wales O45s fared much better. Their encounter against the England O45 team was a very close affair. Wales had the upper hand for much of the first half but were unable to take chances in front of goal. This was a keenly contested midfield battle between Wales' Sally Manley and Sue Crowley of England. (Interestingly both players had played together in the same Welsh senior team for many years) Against the run of play England scored either side of half time. The Welsh determination and spirit never dampened and, superbly captained by Jackie (Babes) Mudge, Jane Rowley scored for Wales to set up an exciting final quarter. England rose to the challenge and scored towards the end of the game to finish 3-1 winners.
Tired but heartened by their match with England, Wales O45s entered their game against Scotland with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, but the intensity of the game meant that this was short lived. The Scots scored two goals in the first half, followed by a further six in the second without response. Scotland won 8-0.
On Sunday the tournament took on an altogether relaxed atmosphere where all teams played each other again in friendly games.
Wales O40s had another close game with Scotland but again lost 2-1. The Welsh goal was scored by Nicky Oliver a well taken strike from open play. Wales despite carrying so many injuries, went on to play a better game against England and although England won 6-0 there were a lot of positives to be taken from the game.
Despite the previous days defeat the Wales O45 team had a much improved game against Scotland in this end to end encounter. Both sides had to soak up periods of intense pressure in defense but it was Scotland broke the deadlock, and went on to win 1-0
In their final game against England O45, Wales again seemed to have much the better of the game. However England scored on the stroke of half time much to the dismay of the Wales defense who alleged foul play. A determined Welsh team took the field for the second half and were soon rewarded with a penalty corner which was scored but disallowed by the umpire. Once again the Welsh showed real ‘hwyl' and surging forward late in the game Jane Rowley scored an all important equalizer.
A special mention to those players who received their first veterans caps over the weekend. They are: Bernie Bettison; Sian Trotman and Sally Manley for the O45s and Rhian McKnight; Donna Bruce; Dawn Gallagher; Alison Hibbert; Eleri Jefferies; Nicky Oliver; Liz Pearce and Mari Williams for the O40.
Big Footnote
Our thanks go out to the three Scottish organisers without which the whole event would not have happened. John Connaghan, Mike McInally and Babs Buglass together with Welsh squad co-ordinators Jane and Bernie Wheeler.
18th June 2009
Four squads of Welsh veterans hockey players head north for the Home internationals
Welsh Mens Over 45 Dragons Squad at 2009 Divisional Tournament, East Grinstead, May 09
Mixed Welsh Ladies Over 40 & 45 Squad, Coaches & Team Managers at a Warm Up Tournament in Aldershot, April 09
On June 20th and 21st the four squads of Welsh veterans hockey players head north for the Home internationals. The Men's Over 45s & Over 55s together with the Over 40s and 45s Ladies travel to Edingburgh to take on Scotland and England in an annual tournament at the University of Edingburgh Sports facilities at Peffermill.
To those outside hockey who cannot understand why a bunch of older men & ladies continue to chase a ball, and each other, around a field when we could be reminiscing over a pint and former glories then read on.
International veterans hockey keeps us fit and provides the challenge of competition at a high level. While some of the players were full Senior Internationalists in their youth, veterans hockey also gives the late developers an opportunity to represent their country. No matter how old you are, or no matter how many times you have done it before, pulling on a red shirt with the 3 feathers generates a very special sense of pride. Afterwards the beer and wine tastes good and there are new stories to tell.
Veteran hockey tournaments are hosted in various parts of the world, providing the opportunity to meet up with old acquaintances, renew old rivalries and above all have a lot of fun.
The Welsh Hockey Union and all national administrators must be delighted that so many ‘old men & women' remain active in hockey. At grass roots level many of these veteran internationalists are the umpires, coaches, sponsors and organisers that keep the clubs in Wales and beyond going.
International hockey does not stop at the Over 55 level, these are but the teenagers of the veteran scene. Wales Dros Chwe Deg (Over 60s Men) recently won a European International tournament in Lille by beating France, Belgium, the Alliance and a guest side from Egypt. A few of the larger nations now field Over 65 and Over 70 teams and the oldest participant in the World Over 60s Championships (Hong Kong, Sept 2008) was an 87 year old Scot called George!! He scored a goal against Japan so there is no need for any of the Welsh lads & lasses to swap our daps for slippers just yet.
Expectations for the tournament are keen as games between Wales and Scotland are usually close. Wales have a small advantage, for instance, in the Men's Over 55s having beaten the Thistles 2-1 at Chelmsford in May, however the Scots have home advantage for the Internationals. In the 2008 Home Nations at Chelmsford, Wales 55s were second to England.
England always provide stiff opposition, and 2009 will be no different. The Welsh defences will need to be well organised and resolute, the midfield will need to work extremely hard and the forwards will have to make the most of their opportunities and harass the English defence when they have possession. For Wales to achieve results against England it will take teamwork, effort, guile and perhaps a smidgeon of good fortune. Wins are rare against the old enemy, however as the Netherlands showed on the cricket field recently, sport is full of surprises.
The ladies Veterans are now in their third season and growing all the time with the expectation of adding an over 50's team by mid summer. The ladies tests against England and Scotland have been close games in previous years and expectations are running high for this years tournament with quite a large intake of new players all wanting to pull on the red shirt.
The men's 45s squad representing the Welsh Dragons team performed well in a warm up ‘divisionals' tournament in East Grinstead in May. England use this to select their squad from players representing all regions within the country and the Dragons performance, being a relatively young squad this year and has an expectation of pushing the opposition into new territories.
Squads
| Over 40's Ladies | Over 45's Ladies | Over 45's Men's | Over 55's Men's |
| Kate Morgan (Captain) Mari Williams Liz Pearce Dawn Gallagher Cheryl Camplin Nicola Roberts Jo Page Lynne Joseph Eira Rowe Alison Hibbert Rhian McKnight Nicky Oliver Janine J Pritchard Eleri Jefferys Donna Druce Annie Lindsell Anne Barratt Coach: Linda Treharne Manager: Anne Mullin |
Jackie Mudge (Captain) Jane Rowley Sian Trottman Sally Manley Carol Donavan Bev Rogers Kath Maliknosky Judith Davies Bernie Bettison Rachel Murrow Brenda Goodfellow Chris Smith Lynn Rees Jane Hitchin Kath Charters Sue Morley Laura Garnesh Coach: Sue Legge Manager: Jackie Whiller Secretary: Jane Wheeler |
Bob Fleck (Captain) Andy Cox Billy Barletta Les Malinovszky Ian Davies Malcolm Evans Mark Joseph Steve Murphy Mike Kyriakides Rob Blacklidge Malcolm Thomas Dave Bull Chris Wall Paul Thomas Mark Kimber Steve Thomas |
Ian Johnson (Captain) Steve Sparkes Ben Johnson Manager Phil Bond Martin Brough Mike Fitter Roy Grafton John Hardman Andy Ible Martin Kavanagh Pete Martineau Alun Morgan Chris Parry Bruce Perkins David Sykes Ian Towler Bernie Wheeler |