11th April 2010
Wales take the initiative
Scotland pay close attention
Instant feedback
Wales had an excellent first half against Scotland, opening the scoring through Leah Wilkinsons deflected PC and maintaining high tempo throughout. The team were without captain Carys Hopkins, nursing a whopping bruise from the previous day's encounter. Nevertheless, the Welsh team set about their task with energy and purpose. They were most unfortunate to go in at half time one goal down from an overtime PC. Clearly tiring from their second game in as many days and against a fresh Scottish team, the Welsh slipped a further goal behind but maintained their attacking focus to pull a go back through Pippa Jones. Importantly, players were rotated in various positions as part of the overall preparation for Russia. Pushing on Wales conceded a late goal to leave a 4-2 scoreline but had plenty to take away from the match. Wales have a training day today to shake out any bumps and build on their the week-end development matches.
Wales Panthers 2 – Scotland Cougars 4
Both teams were ready from the off and Scotland attacked first gaining a penalty corner but the Welsh defence blocked the shot and took a quick free hit to counter. Emma Batten made it to the back line but the pull back evaded the Welsh strikers. Possession was well balanced for the first 10 minutes. Wales opened the scoring via their 2nd penalty corner when a straight strike from Tina Evans was deflected by Leah Wilkinson, 1-0. Wales held the led for another 10 minutes but a turnover ball in midfield led to a Scottish counter and a cool finish passed Rees in goal, 1-1. Wales’ attacking play and good use of the self-pass gave them several opportunities to regain the lead but it was Scotland who took the lead 1-2 into half time following a penalty corner awarded right at the death.
Wales needed to continue with their quick play in the 2nd half but they appeared to take their foot off the pedal. Another turnover in midfield allowed Scotland to attack and overload the Welsh defence to stretch the score, 1-3, in the 49th minute. Wales pulled a goal back as driving forward play allowed Pippa Jones to slot the ball home, 2-3. Wales gave themselves the chance to get back into the game but Scotland closed the door in the 60th minute scoring their 4th from a straight strike on a penalty corner.
A hard fought battle where Wales stepped up their play from the previous day. Communication was stronger and individual recognition of patterns of play is moving forward. The team are disappointed to lose two goals through turnover balls caused through tiredness and a further 2 goals through penalty corners. However, with Wales realising the value of possession and the need to minimise individual mistakes, fortunes will change .
Overall players demonstrated greater levels of intensity, leading to better support play in all areas of the pitch. The team now look forward their World Cup qualifier event in Kazan, Russia April 17th – 26th 2010.
Squad: Maggs Rees, Claire Lowry, Tina Evans, Elie Mumford, Ella Rafferty, Pippa Jones (C)(1), Kayleigh Humphreys, Katie Richards, Sophie Trigg, Abi Welsford, Emma Batten, Emma Griffiths, Emma Keen, Alys Brooks, Louise Bevan, Leah Wilkinson (1).
