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International & Performance >
International Teams
INTERNATIONAL TEAMS -
Under 21 Men
U21 Men’s Programme
The U21s target is the European Tournament held every two years.
Currently the men are in the Trophy Division, to be contested in
Italy in 2008 and are aiming for a strong performance that will gain
them a promotion to the Championship in 2010.The programme runs for
two years with the priority of the first year being continued technical
development while during the second half of the first year an element of
tactical development will take place. Many of the players involved in
this program are also gaining experience in the Senior Squad during this first year in the cycle.
The focus of the second year is tactical development and game play.
Technical development will be maintained, however, it will occur within
a tactical framework. The programme allows more fixtures and
Championship
division opponents are targeted. During this Competition year, the team
will also contest the Junior Celtic Cup against Ireland, Scotland and
France. The programme finishes off with the European Tournament normally
held in July.
Athletes have access to a variety of support staff including coaches,
a manager, physiologist, sport psychologist, physiotherapist and central
support by the Welsh Hockey Union Performance Section.
U21 Men Training Schedule
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| 21/22 June |
Wrexham - Training & matches v
Wales Senior Men |
 |
| 26 June |
Travel to Edinburgh (Celtic Cup) |
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| 27/29 June |
Celtic Cup |
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| 12/13 July |
Cardiff - final training |
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| 18 July |
Travel to Bra (ITA) re Junior
EuroNations |
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| 20/26 July |
Bra (ITA) Junior EuroNations
(returning on 27th July) |
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Squad 2007/8
|
James Astley |
Cardiff & UWIC |
David Kettle |
Cannock |
|
Dan Berry |
Rotherham |
Nils Lloyd-Penny |
Birmingham Uni. |
|
Ben Carless |
Stourport |
Rob Mugridge |
Beckenham & Bromley |
|
Luke Carless |
Bath Buccs |
Joe Naughalty |
Whitchurch |
|
Owain Dolan-Grey |
Cardiff & UWIC |
Lewis Prosser |
Bath Buccs |
|
Ben Edge |
Exeter Uni. |
Nick Rees |
Birmingham Uni. |
|
James Hughes |
Bowden |
Mark Siddorn |
Exeter Uni. |
|
Edward Jones |
Whitchurch |
Huw Stephens |
Canterbury |
|
Louis Jones |
Fareham |
Rob Trem |
Beeston |
EuroHockey Junior Nations Trophy - Men
Bra (ITA), 20th - 26th July 2008
| Pool A |
Pool B |
Czech Republic
Wales
Italy
Belarus
Azerbaijan |
Russia
France
Switzerland
Ukraine
Turkey |
Day 1 - Sunday 20 July 2008
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|
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| 10:00 Russia (B) |
6 |
|
Ukraine (B) |
0 |
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| 12:15 France (B) |
4 |
|
Switzerland (B) |
1 |
 |
| 15:15 Belarus (A) |
6 |
|
Czech Rep (A) |
3 |
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| 17:30 Wales (A) |
1 |
|
Italy (A) |
2 |
 |
Wales got their European campaign off to a disappointing start after
going down 1-2 to the host nation Italy. The visitors started strongly
and controlled much of the early possession, which enabled them to
contain the early enthusiasm of their opponents and to probe down the
wide channels. The Italians responded by packing their midfield and
defended deep, intent to play on the counter-attack. Wales had over a
dozen circle entries but only one penalty corner in the first half. They
failed to make the most of their openings, including two one on ones
from close range. Italy had fewer chances but threatened to score on the
break and squandered a guilt edged chance of their own. The score
remained goalless at half-time.
The second half continued along similar lines, with the Italians proving
to be hard to break down. Although Wales continued to have more of the
possession, much of it was in their defensive third and they did not
manage to outmanoeuvre the Italian press easily. However, they continued
to create some excellent shooting opportunities but failed to beat the
Italian goalkeeper who saved three close range efforts. The Italians had
a good spell of possession midway through the second half and for a ten
minute period dominated the midfield play. With ten minutes to play they
earned a penalty corner and committed eight of their players to their
routine. A fine save presented Wales with the chance to counter with a
six on two situation. Three attackers confronted their goalkeeper, and
despite a good initial save, Dan Berry was able to recover the rebound
to score the game’s opening goal.
The Italians responded immediately and seemingly caught Wales out from
the restart, earning their next penalty corner within a minute. They
scored by running a player in front of the goalkeeper to deflect a low
drag flick. Wales continued to push forward and earned two corners of
their own but failed to inject the ball more than a few meters into the
circle. The Italians countered with a late corner of their own two
minutes from time, which they converted with a well-placed flick to the
delight of the home supporters. Wales were left to rue their missed
chances and they will now need to win each of their remaining games if
they wish to progress to the semi-finals.
Day 2 - Monday 21 July 2008
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| 10:00 Turkey (B) |
0 |
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Switzerland (B) |
8 |
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| 12:15 France (B) |
4 |
|
Ukraine (B) |
3 |
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| 15:15 Wales (A) |
5 |
|
Belarus (A) |
2 |
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| 17:30 Italy (A) |
5 |
|
Azerbaijan (A) |
1 |
 |
Wales got their European campaign back on track after an encouraging
5-2 win. Belarus who had won their opening game against the Czechs 6-2
were high on confidence and awkward to play against. Their sweeper was
an obvious threat; capable of throwing 65 metre aerials out of defence
and a prodigious drag flicker at penalty corners. They played with two
high forwards in the opposition circle and were prepared to bypass the
midfield with their aerial game and aim to earn as many penalty corners
as possible.
Wales showed patience in their build up and aimed to distribute through
the midfield channels. They countered the aerial threat by playing a
half-court press and leaving one forward high to encourage the
Belarusians to play the ball out of defence on the floor. The tactic was
largely successful and Wales were able to monopolise possession in the
first half and force their opponents to counter-attack from deep. The
deadlock was broken by a sublime reverse stick shot by striker Danny
Berry who took everyone by surprise to put the Welsh one goal up. The
Belarusians hit the post twice in the first half and an open goal was
eventually scrambled clear after an excellent save from David Kettle in
goal. Wales also saw shots saved and at half time the game was in the
balance.
The Belarusians started the second half strongly. They were awarded an
early corner after a clash of sticks, which they converted with a
powerful low flick to draw level. The response was immediate and Wales
replied with two goals in five minutes. A free hit from outside the
circle saw captain Nick Rees beat the goalkeeper at the near post with a
sharp deflection and a well executed penalty corner saw James Hughes
score from a direct strike at goal. Although Wales looked comfortable
and composed for the next ten minutes, an unforced error conceded
possession and the Belarus high forward stole the ball to earn a
free-hit outside the circle. It was taken quickly, and after an initial
save from the goalkeeper, the rebound was put in by to bring the score
line back to 3-2.
There ensued a nervous moment from a subsequent corner, before Wales
regained their composure and began to string a succession of passes
together. They changed the point of the attack well in order to find
space and managed to earn a penalty corner. Nick Rees scored his second
goal by deflecting a James Hughes drag flick, before a sweeping passing
move in open play was finished clinically by Joe Naughalty with a flick
from close range. Captain Nick Rees was pleased with his side’s
performance, “We worked very hard for this victory in this heat and when
we were under pressure we responded by raising our game and taking our
chances. We know that many of our games will go down to the wire here in
Bra and we held our nerve well”. Wales now have a rest day before their
next game against the Czech Republic.
Day 3 - Tuesday 22 July 2008
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| 10:00 Switzerland (B) |
2 |
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Ukraine (B) |
3 |
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| 12:15 Russia (B) |
5 |
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Turkey (B) |
2 |
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| 15:15 Azerbaijan (A) |
2 |
|
Czech Republic (A) |
3 |
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| 17:30 Italy (A) |
1 |
|
Belarus (A) |
3 |
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Day 4 - Wednesday 23 July 2008
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|
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| 10:00 Turkey (B) |
1 |
|
Ukraine (B) |
7 |
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| 12:15 Russia (B) |
5 |
|
France (B) |
2 |
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| 15:15 Azerbaijan (A) |
1 |
|
Belarus (A) |
3 |
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| 17:30 Wales (A) |
1 |
|
Czech Republic (A) |
1 |
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Although confidence was high after a promising performance against
Belarus, the Czechs played a very different style which was heavily
influenced by indoor hockey and was based around an effective zonal
defence. Wales started strongly and had one penalty corner and two open
play shots in the opening ten minutes. However, after that the Czechs
began to dominate possession and opportunities began to dry up. Although
Wales created turn-overs, their use of the ball was poor: execution of
core skills was sloppy, they failed to string many passes together and
were too content to pass the ball backwards rather than be more positive
in midfield areas. The Czechs scored from their first penalty corner, by
deflecting a low drag push at the near post. Wales by contrast failed to
score from either of their two corners and finished the half deservedly
one goal down.
After a stirring team talk by assistant coach, Matt Ruxton, Wales began
to raise their game. The ball was transferred with greater purpose and
the midfield began to offer more options. The three forwards began to
lengthen the field and clever use of the cross field aerial by James
Hughes began to pay dividends. The side began to press the Czech defence
higher up the field, particularly in the corners, which proved
effective. Wales had a number of open play chances, but saw shots
deflected over the bar and even hit into their own players who were
poaching in front of goal. In the final twenty minutes Nick Rees and Joe
Naughalty ensured that there was a real sense of urgency and the Czechs
were closed down aggressively. Small decisions did not quite go their
way: Joe Naughalty was fouled as he was entering the circle, but was not
given the advantage and his reverse stick goal was called back for the
earlier infringement. A well-worked penalty corner routine which went
back to the injector was deflected past the goalkeeper who managed to
scoop the ball seemingly from behind the goal line. The Czechs defended
resolutely but were unable to retain possession for long enough to end
the spell of pressure. Time was running out. In the final minute a
strong run by Lewis Prosser was blocked crudely outside the circle.
Although the free-hit was awarded, Lewis was given a yellow card for
insisting that the offence deserved a penalty corner. It was fortunate
that the umpire did not reverse his decision, as the side managed to
upgrade the free-hit to a penalty corner, which captain Nick Rees
managed to convert with a low drag flick with only ten seconds remaining
on the clock.
International hockey matches can be decided by the finest of margins.
Although a draw suited neither team, it does at least give both sides a
chance to finish second in their group to qualify for the semi-finals.
Wales will need to beat Azerbaijan convincingly in their next game to
improve their goal difference, and hope that Italy are defeated by the
Czechs. Their fate is not in their own hands. They know that they must
learn to be more clinical and to score when they are on top. Wales had
twice the number of circle entries and open play shots than their
opponents and eight penalty corners to the Czech two. Defender James
Hughes summed up the situation, “ Yeah, I am really disappointed, we let
ourselves down in the first half by not imposing ourselves on the game.
We sat back as if we were playing chess, rather than being ruthless. In
all honesty, we should have beaten the Czechs. On the other had we were
ten seconds away from being undone in Bra, so we’ll take this draw.”
Day 5 - Thursday 24 July 2008
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| 10:00 France (B) |
6 |
|
Turkey (B) |
0 |
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| 12:15 Switzerland (B) |
4 |
|
Russia (B) |
4 |
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| 15:15 Wales (A) |
4 |
|
Azerbaijan (A) |
1 |
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| 17:30 Italy (A) |
4 |
|
Czech Republic (A) |
3 |
 |
Wales went into the game
knowing that they needed a convincing win and the result of the Italy v
Czech Republic match would determine whether they would qualify for the
semi-final stages. Azerbaijan were an effective side. They had limited
experience and possessed some technical and tactical deficiencies, but
their agility, enthusiasm and unorthodoxy made them awkward to play
against. They played an open game: they liked to break forward in
numbers and pack their circle in defence, and possessed a couple of
seemingly indefatigable midfielders. The players were close to being
professional. Wales did not underestimate their effectiveness and aimed
to try to impose their structured game on the match.
Wales started well but failed to score from two open play shots and a
penalty in the opening five minutes. They started to change the point of
the attack well and the midfield started to play in the seams of the
Azerbaijan press effectively. However, a turn-over led to a quick
counter-attack from which the opponents earned a penalty corner from
their first circle entry. They scored by rifling in a straight strike
into the bottom left of the goal past a rather bemused Ed Jones in goal
and Ben Carless on the left post.
Wales refused to panic and continued to create chances of their own. At
times the build up play was slowed unnecessarily and in an effort to
produce circle entries players began to take the ball into contact by
taking on defenders, rather than play the simple two on one situations
in front of them. This began to play into the hands of Azerbaijan who
were able to get further numbers back to defend and win turn-overs with
many Welsh players committed high up the pitch in support of the ball
carrier.
In the pitch side shade in Bra, coaches Brian Hibbert and Matt Ruxton
gave the team a couple of pointers, emphasising the importance of
passing the ball better and patience. The side were creating chances and
it was matter of keeping an organized structure, making full use of
support players to out manoeuvre the Azerbaijan defence and then being
more clinical with their finishing. The first Wales goal took a long
time to come and the frustration levels amongst the players started to
rise. This was not helped by being on the receiving end of several
controversial decisions with Joe Naughalty receiving a yellow card with
play being called back as he was bearing down on goal. This led to a
minor bust up on the side line as both player and coach momentarily lost
their composure. It was in the 60th minute that striker Dan Berry scored
the equalizing goal with a clinical snapshot. This was swiftly followed
by a goal from the hardworking Nick Rees before Berry added two more
himself to complete his first international hat-trick.
Although the final score line was a fair reflection of Wales’ dominance
in the game, it failed to show how hard they had to work in order to get
the result. Midfielder Ben Edge summed up how tough the game was: “The
lads are exhausted and gave everything in this oppressive heat. We had
to dig very deep to get the result we deserved and for much of the match
in Bra we had our hands full”
Day 6 - Friday 25 July 2008
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| 09:30 Azerbaijan (C) |
1 |
|
Switzerland (C) |
4 |
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| 11:30 Czech Republic (C) |
3 |
|
Turkey (C) |
0 |
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| 13:30 5/6 Wales (AET) |
3 |
|
Ukraine |
2 |
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| 16:00 SF1 Italy |
0 |
|
Russia |
5 |
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| 18:30 SF2 Belarus |
1 |
|
France |
6 |
 |
A slightly surreal game
between the Czech Republic and the hosts Italy saw the Czechs throw away
a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes of their match to lose 2-3. The
implications of this saw Italy in the space of 10 minutes move from 4th
in the pool to 1st to 2nd, which resulted in Wales failing to qualify
for the semi-final stages and instead playing off against Ukraine in the
match for 5th/6th.
Wales started the game well and immediately started to take control of
the midfield with Joe Naughalty and Lewis Prosser posting up well and
turning to distribute incisive forward passes. Ben Edge made some
telling runs and used his stick work to good effect to earn some penalty
corners early in the half. Ukraine tended to play on the counter attack
but were efficient in their use of the ball and an indoor influence was
evident in their style of play. Midway through the half Ukraine scored a
good breakaway goal. Then from a subsequent penalty corner, they were
awarded a controversial penalty flick when defender James Hughes cleared
a deflected shot of the line at shoulder height but a fine save from
David Kettle low to his right ensured no damage was done.
Wales continued to play in a similar vain, knowing that they were having
the greater share of possession and taking more open play shots at goal
than their opponents. Daniel Berry and Nick Rees worked tirelessly in
attack but saw their shots either saved or flash wide of goal. Wales’
general play was very good, they changed the point of attack using crisp
20m passes and kept the ball flowing well.
The second half saw Wales continue to play well although they found
their breakthrough goal hard to find. Their challenge was made all the
harder when Ukraine scored a second goal with their second chance of the
half which came against the run of play. Wales played with a great sense
of urgency and earned a penalty corner soon afterwards. A good drag
flick from Ben Carless was illegally saved on the line by a Ukraine
defender only for the subsequent flick to be saved from the usually
reliable Joe Naughalty. Further chances came and went with several
chances missed by mistimed runs at the far post. Time was beginning to
run out. Wales were having twice the circle entries as their opponents;
they had eight open play shots and five penalty corners. However, with
five minutes remaining captain Nick Rees finally scored the breakthrough
goal and the predatory Dan Berry scored the equalizer with two minutes
remaining.
The match then went into periods of extra-time with golden goal. Wales
continued to press forward and were playing their best hockey of the
tournament. They could feel that they had both the initiative and an
edge over them in terms of fitness. Ukraine cleared a low flick off the
line and then missed an open goal when a pull back from a promising
right wing attack was completely missed at the far post. Eventually the
match was won when a flowing move was finished clinically by Lewis
Prosser who fired a reverse stick shot passed the defiant Ukrainian
goalkeeper from the top of the circle. The relief was tangible and the
side was pleased to have got the result which their performance
deserved. Lewis reflected: “It was almost like a bad dream. We were
playing some really good stuff but it seemed that each time we had a
good spell of pressure Ukraine scored from one of their chances. We did
brilliantly to get back into the game and our fitness was a major factor
in that. I was relieved that my last minute shot hit the back of the
net, particularly since I could hear people calling for a pass!”
Head Coach Brian Hibbert was pleased with the way his side played in
their final few games particularly with the character they showed to
fight back when they found themselves behind. However he was also
disappointed that he was unable to get his side to finish in one of the
top three positions, “We had the joint best defensive record of all the
teams here and had one of the better goal differences. Our final ten
minutes against Italy proved costly and our conversion rate with penalty
corners and some of our open play chances needed to be a little better.
It has not been through lack of effort or preparation and I would like
to thank my players and staff for the considerable time and endeavour
they have put in. Although three wins, a draw and a loss is respectable,
I was hoping to get them a higher position. I believe that this squad of
players had the ability to certainly finish in the top three and we had
an excellent opportunity to earn a possible place at next year’s 2009
World Cup.”
Day 7 - Saturday 26 July 2008
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| 10:00 Azerbaijan (C) |
2 |
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Turkey (C) |
1 |
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| 12:15 Czech Republic (C) |
1 |
|
Switzerland |
2 |
 |
| 15:00 3/4 Italy |
5 |
|
Belarus |
6 |
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| 17:30 Final Russia |
1 |
|
France |
0 |
 |
Final Positions
1st Russia (Promoted)
2nd France (Promoted)
3rd Belarus
4th Italy
5th Wales
6th Ukraine
7th Switzerland
8th Czech Republic
9th Azerbaijan (Relegated)
10th Turkey (Relegated)
Junior Celtic Cup - U21 Men
Edinburgh (SCO), 27th - 29th June 2008
Day 1 - Friday 27th June 2008
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| 13:00 Ireland |
1 |
|
France |
1 |
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| 17:00 Scotland |
3 |
|
Wales |
0 |
 |
Wales
were given a dose of reality after suffering a disappointing 3-0 loss in
their opening game against Scotland’s men. Good preparation and
promising performances in training games and the GBSL in the lead up to
the tournament counted for little, as the side got off to a sluggish
start. They were half a yard off the pace in most positions, slow to
move the ball on and to close down their opponents. The Scots who had
several full internationals in their team were quick to capitalise on
the time and space that they were afforded.
From the whistle the Scotsmen looked composed, passing the ball
comfortably around the back four and in to their midfield players.
Within two minutes it was Kenny Bain that put Scotland’s first goal on
the board. Some quick movement and a deflected pass in the circle found
the Scottish forward free at the far post. Michael Christie was next to
take a shot from just outside the D with the Welsh defence deflecting
the ball wide.
The Scottish midfield kept their team on the front foot and forced Wales
to defend deep around the 23m line. Although there was some good
tackling and team defence, Wales were unable to clear the lines for long
or retain possession higher up the pitch. Ed Jones in goal was
outstanding and made several one on one saves to keep his side in the
game. However possession and pressure began to tell. A good cross-field
aerial pass from caught out the Welsh, as they looked to keep the ball
carrier in a wide channel which Adams netted in the twenty first minute
in a clinical manner. Nine minutes later Scotland’s scored a third goal
from a penalty corner to enter half-time at 3-0.
After the break, Wales played some good hockey. Coaches Zak Jones and
Brian Hibbert made it clear that the Scottish players were to be denied
space and their first touch was to be put under greater pressure.
Scotland were unable to settle into their first half rhythm and lost
their structure a little. Wales played with passion and were more
combative in midfield. This gave their forwards more ball and the chance
to run at the Scottish defence. A collision between Chris Grassick and
Luke Carless saw both players receive yellow cards in the 57th minute.
Then Scotland’s Gordon McIntyre got his own yellow card in the 61st
minute taking the Scots down to nine men. During this spell Wales were
on top and had more possession and circle entries than their opponents.
However they were unable to convert open play chances or earn enough
penalty corners to turn pressure into goals. The second half remained
goalless.
The second half restored some pride and belief in the Welsh players.
Although they had left themselves too much to do, they learned that they
were good enough to compete with the Scots and that their game plan was
effective. However they need to earn the right to play and to start more
quickly in matches if they wanted to beat quality opponents.
Day 2 - Saturday 28th June 2008
 |
| 12:00 Wales |
1 |
|
Ireland |
2 |
 |
| 16:00 Scotland |
5 |
|
France |
1 |
 |
Wales
started the match positively and put the Irish under some early pressure
for the opening quarter of the match. They moved the ball with purpose
attempting to stretch the Irish defence through crisp passing and taking
early free-hits. This early possession threatened the Irish circle but
forward Nick Rees was the only man able to test the goalkeeper. The
Irish back four were denied clear passing channels forward and turn-overs
were generated as the Irish were denied the opportunity to settle.
Gradually the Irish regained their composure and started to
counter-attack off mis-placed passes which forced goalkeeper David
Kettle into the action. The Irish midfield began to find a little more
space and their high forwards began to make good runs into wide channels
to stretch the Welsh defence. They played the two on one situations well
and began to make circle entries with more regularity. After the initial
ten minute spell, the rest of the half belonged to Ireland. They scored
their first goal midway through the half, through striker Alan Southern
with a sharp shot from the top of the circle. He had been denied only
minutes earlier by brave goalkeeping from Kettle who had slid in to
smother his close range shot wide of the post. The defence which was
well marshaled by James Hughes managed to hold out to half-time with
only a one goal deficit. Although the tactic of using overheads to clear
the ball from defence proved efficient, double turn-overs were proving
costly and poor ball retention higher up the field prevented the Welsh
from breaking free from the shackles of Irish pressure.
In the second half Wales managed to limit the Irish threat down the
flanks by employing an extra midfield player with reasonable success.
There was an improvement in passing and Mark Siddorn and Luke Carless in
the heart of the midfield worked hard to prevent opponents turning on
the ball and forced the Irish to distribute from deep in their half.
Owain Dolan-Gray made some telling runs behind the Irish defenders, and
the hard running of James Astley and Dan Berry made life harder by
denying passes and pressuring their first touch. However it was the
Irish who extended their lead with a well taken goal ten minutes into
the second half.
Wales responded well by raising their game and they succeeded in
rattling the Irish who began to misplace passes and lose their
composure. Dan Berry scored in open play with a crisp strike from the
top of the circle. Frustration saw the Irish lose one player for dissent
and this was soon compounded by losing a second player after a heavy
tackle by the Irish half-back ended a strong run by Nick Rees. With ten
minutes to play and a 2 man advantage the pendulum had started to swing
back into Wales’ favour. They began to look dangerous with each attack
and the Irish understandably defended deep and looked to play on the
counter-attack. Nils Lloyd- Penney then received a yellow card himself
which reduced the advantage to ten against nine. The game finished in a
frenzy with chances falling at both ends. Wales secured two penalty
corners in the last five minutes, the last being in overtime.
Unfortunately their routine broke down which prevented them from testing
the goalkeeper and saw the game end in a 1-2 defeat. Although the Irish
had played the better hockey for much of the game, robust defending and
commitment gave the Welsh the chance to be within touching distance of
snatching a result at the final whistle. Coaches Matt Ruxton and Brian
Hibbert were satisfied with the attitude and effort of the players,
although they targeted penalty corner routines and maximising chances in
the opponent’s circle as areas to work on in the game against France.
Day 3 - Sunday 29th June 2008
 |
| 12:00 France |
5 |
|
Wales |
1 |
 |
| 16:00 Scotland |
3 |
|
Ireland |
3 |
 |
Wales started very well and passed the ball with purpose. The
French were denied time to settle on the ball and turn-overs
enabled Wales to impose their structure on the game. The early
chances were created by the Welsh and forward Dan Berry opened
the scoring five minutes into the half which was a just reward
for the endeavour and purpose that the side was showing.
France were forced to raise their game and after a sluggish
start they began to maintain possession and probe the Welsh
half. Their attacks were channelled into wide areas and their
pressure only really threatened with free-hits from outside the
circle. Wales looked organised and composed in defence. After a
promising fifteen minute spell, the balance of power shifted
after France were awarded a short corner for what was deemed a
deliberate foot outside the circle. Frenchman Fabien Magner
stepped up to equalise drilling a shot into the back of the net
from a penalty corner in the seventeenth minute. Wales then went
down to ten men after forward James Astley was yellow carded
after sliding in to close down a pass and commiting a stick
tackle in the process. The initiative shifted to France and they
enjoyed greater spells of possession. They ended the half
strongly with with another chance off a penalty corner when
Victor Condemine stole the ball back off a Welsh defender. The
penalty corner shot went wide to end first half with a one all
score.
France began the second half strongly and seemingly caught Wales
off-guard. There was an early shot straight after the break
which Welsh goalkeeper Edward Jones quickly deflected over the
goal. A few moments later the French earned a penalty corner and
a well worked routine saw the ball slipped to a castle to the
right of the penalty spot, from where the ball was flicked
powerfully past the keeper to take France ahead 2-1. Two minutes
later Fabien Magner netted his second goal of the match with a
drag flick shot fired right past the keeper.
Wales were stirred back into action. Midfielder Mark Siddorn
attempted to strike back but missed a good opportunity right in
front of the French goal. France were forced back and a spell of
possession and good team earned a penalty corner. The ball was
slipped to Nils Lloyd-Penny who was unable narrowly got his
angles wrong to shoot the wrong side of the post. Moments later,
a deflected effort by Dan Berry was goal bound but struck his
own player Owain Dolan-Gray in the neck who diving in to get to
the far post. France rode their luck and kept a two goal
cushion. Wales went a man down again for a technical
infringement. Frenchman Oliver Sanchez then pulled out a reverse
shot taking the score to 4-1 for France. Wales saw a few more
chances pass by including another shot from Dan Berry and an
open play attempt from Nick Rees but neither could convert. In
the last ten seconds Frenchman Aymeric Bergamo netted France’s
final fifth goal to secure a third place finish at the Junior
Celtic Cup.
Coach Brian Hibbert concluded: “This has been a very useful
platform tournament to prepare for the Europeans in three weeks.
The challenge is to build up our confidence up and to take
advantage of more chances. We have played quite well in three of
the six halves in Edinburgh, but need to retain possession
better to be more consistent.
Final Positions
1st Scotland
2nd Ireland
3rd France
4th Wales
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U21 Men’s Management Team
 |
GK COACH
Graham Mansell-Grace |
|
 |
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Zoe Grant |
|
 |
U21 Men’s Competition Results 2004 onwards
| Date |
Competition |
Opponent |
Result |
Venue |
Final
Position |
 |
| 02/07/04 |
Celtic Cup |
France |
0-3 |
Aberdeen |
|
 |
| 03/07/04 |
Celtic Cup |
Scotland |
0-1 |
Aberdeen |
|
 |
| 25/07/04 |
Euro Cup |
France |
0-1 |
Lousada |
Pool |
 |
| 26/07/04 |
Euro Cup |
Switzerland |
2-5 |
Lousada |
Pool |
 |
| 28/07/04 |
Euro Cup |
Portugal |
5-0 |
Lousada |
Pool |
 |
| 30/07/04 |
Euro Cup |
Croatia |
1-0 |
Lousada |
5-8 |
 |
| 31/07/04 |
Euro Cup |
Italy |
2-0 |
Lousada |
5 |
 |
| 30/06/06 |
Celtic Cup |
France |
1-3 |
Cardiff |
|
 |
| 01/06/06 |
Celtic Cup |
Scotland |
3-5 |
Cardiff |
|
 |
| 02/06/06 |
Celtic Cup |
Ireland |
1-3 |
Cardiff |
4 |
 |
| 23/07/06 |
Euro Trophy |
Italy |
3-2 |
Gibraltar |
Pool |
 |
| 24/07/06 |
Euro Trophy |
Portugal |
3-1 |
Gibraltar |
Pool |
 |
| 26/07/06 |
Euro Trophy |
Scotland |
1-0 |
Gibraltar |
Pool |
 |
| 28/07/06 |
Euro Trophy |
Austria |
0-1 |
Gibraltar |
1-4 |
 |
| 29/07/06 |
Euro Trophy |
France |
1-3 |
Gibraltar |
4 |
 |
| 27/06/08 |
Celtic Cup |
Scotland |
0-3 |
Scotland |
|
 |
| 28/06/08 |
Celtic Cup |
Ireland |
1-2 |
Scotland |
|
 |
| 29/06/08 |
Celtic Cup |
France |
1-5 |
Scotland |
4 |
 |
| 20/07/08 |
Euro Trophy |
Italy |
1-2 |
Bra (Ita) |
Pool |
 |
| 21/07/08 |
Euro Trophy |
Belarus |
5-2 |
Bra (Ita) |
Pool |
 |
| 23/07/08 |
Euro Trophy |
Czech Rep |
1-1 |
Bra (Ita) |
Pool |
 |
| 24/07/08 |
Euro Trophy |
Azerbaijan |
4-1 |
Bra (Ita) |
Pool |
 |
| 25/07/08 |
Euro Trophy |
Ukraine |
3-2 aet |
Bra (Ita) |
5 |
 |
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