Mixed International 2004

Last updated   10 September 2004 11:27

International Mixed match - Wales v England

Newport HC hosted the 14th International between these two countries over the weekend of 17 - 18 July.

Both teams were entertained on the Saturday evening at the official reception held at Spytty Park, Newport and sponsored by Travel City. The Chairman of the club, Pal Lottay, welcomed both teams which consisted of players drawn from clubs all around the England and Wales.

Chris Brewer, on behalf of the Welsh Hockey Union, and Derek Austin, on behalf of Hockey England thanked the host club for their efforts and wished both teams the best of luck for the fixture itself.

Prior to the International match itself the good size crowd were entertained by a Primary Schools competition, sponsored by Stills Design, which was won by Milbrook Junior School.  This tournament will now become an annual event with additional teams being invited next year.

The International match was played in an excellent sprit with no quarter being asked or given and was everything that we have come to expect from two committed teams, which had been well drilled by their respective coaches, Ian Roberts for England and Andy Jones for Wales.

Although the first period was fairly even England managed to open the scoring through Ben Alberry of Havant, in the 19th minute and although Wales applied pressure they could not break down the stubborn English defence. The English attack continued to press forward and their speed in moving the ball left the Welsh defence stretched at times with Mathew Simkin of Beeston being called open to make a number of excellent saves.

With no further score at half-time it was clear that Wales needed to equalise quickly if they were going to get back into the match. Unfortunately it was England who found the net with Alberry scoring his second of the game in the 40th minute following some excellent flowing hockey. England now had the advantage and continued to pressurise the Welsh defence and it was no surprise when a third England goal was scored by Sally Tredget of Slough after 49 minutes. Although a number of yellow cards were issued there was no further scoring until the 65th minute when Ele Powell of St Albans compounded the victory leaving England 4 - 0 winners.

England were presented with the trophy by Alan Rookes, Chairman of the Welsh Hockey Union, and was an excellent example of how mixed hockey should be played and it is hoped that the fixture can continue on an annual basis.

During the post-match buffet a number of awards were made to Meryl Roberts, who has decided that with her extensive club commitments, she can no longer continue in her role as Wales's manager and our thanks are offered for the hard work she has committed to the team over the past years.  Thanks must also be offered to Alison Austin, the England manager who has confirmed that she will continue in her role for at least a further 12 months when the two countries will meet again.

Chris Brewer
Director of Hockey