10th April 2010
Wales under cosh at Bisham
Senior Women v England - working together
Maggs Rees in full flight
Wales were under the cosh for most of their opening match at Bisham Abbey. In spite of the 6-0 scoreline against a very forceful and highly ranked English side, the Welsh defensive organisation and team play were genuine positives as they look ahead. Manager Sue Sutton commented: "An encouraging performance given it was the first time players had been exposed to international performance this season. The coaching team can draw on steps to move forward for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers."
England Tigers 6 – Wales Panthers 0
With the World Cup Qualifiers just around the corner the Welsh team were keen to get a competitive match under their belts. The first match of the 3-Nation tournament saw Wales take on England. Wales needed to be ready from the off as England were awarded a penalty corner in the 3rd minute. Carys Hopkins intercepted the drag strike and Maggs Rees in goal saved the 2nd phase shot. Wales had glimpses of forward play but a well-organised English side were able to regain possession and opened the scoring in the 17th minute with an open play goal. The following minute England took advantage of their 2nd penalty corner and scored via a slipped drag flick. The 3rd goal of the half was scored from an English counter attack. The half time score, 3-0 to England.
Again Rees, in goal, had to be on her toes from the whistle as England tried to convert another penalty corner early in the 2nd half. Wales pushed forward and organised themselves so that England were unable to thread the long balls through. Despite Wales' efforts, England's patience paid off and when they worked the opening, they were able to get the ball into the D and took an early shot into the corner to make it 4-0. The 5th followed soon after. An individual error led to a turnover near the top of the D and the English forward slotted the ball home. The remainder of the half evened out possession but Wales were unable to create any real goal scoring chances. England failed to convert two further penalty corners but did put a 6th in before the final whistle. A shot on the turn from the top of the D finished the 2nd half. Final score 6-0.
A strong, well-organised England side gave the Welsh team a stern examination. Wales were able to test out things they'd been working on in training and can take heart that their press, when set, was tough to break down, goals coming primarily from individual mistakes or well executed passages of play.
Squad: Maggs Rees, Claire Lowry, Tina Evans, Elie Mumford, Ella Rafferty, Pippa Jones, Kayleigh Humphreys, Katie Richards, Carys Hopkins (C), Abi Welsford, Emma Batten, Emma Griffiths, Emma Keen, Alys Brooks, Louise Bevan, Leah Wilkinson.
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 14th 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 30th 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 & recognising patterns of play is moving forward. The team are disappointed to lose two goals through turnover balls and a further 2 through penalty corners. Overall a much improved performance and Wales can now move forward as they travel to Russia next week for the World Cup qualifiers.
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).
