7th July 2010
Wales U-16 Girls go down to Ireland
U16 Girls Ireland v Wales,
University College of Dublin
Saturday 3rd July, 2010
Ireland – 6, Wales - 0
A competitive start by a highly motivated Welsh team saw practices from the training field put into practice. Wales weathered a series of attacks and responded well to much of the Irish play. The deadlock was broke twenty- five minutes into the first half by Ireland scoring from a loose GK kick. Wales then countered quickly to score but it was deemed illegal by the umpire.
Wales came out with their tails up ready for the continual physical battle. Ireland played a very streetwise game which led to further Welsh injuries. Numerous substitutions made it difficult for the Welsh to settle. Some of our defensive organisation was lost which led to Ireland scoring three goals in ten minutes. The game finished evenly with Wales looking the fitter of the two sides. The 6 – 0 score line did not reflect a hardworking Welsh performance.
Sunday 4th July, 2010
Ireland – 6, Wales – 1
Wales got off to a slow start in the second game as Ireland pushed forward to gain an early penalty corner. Wales never really found their rhythm as they were heavily pressed during the first half. Ireland opened the scoring from a well struck penalty corner in the 15th minute. Although Wales weathered the storm for a while the Irish peppered the Welsh defence from all angles and were 3 – 0 up at half time. The second half saw the Irish playing a half court defence which gave the Welsh more confidence. The Welsh attack was thwarted by some physical Irish defending and green cards started to be shown. As Wales began to wither Ireland scored again. However, a successful counter – attack led to a Welsh penalty corner which was converted close in by Beth Bingham. Due to the high pace and physicality of the game Wales began to tire. Ireland scored two more individual goals giving a 6 – 1 result. Ireland now go to Barcelona for the European championships and we wish them the best of luck. Good performances over the weekend for Wales came from Captain Ellis Davies, Nonny Griiffiths, Harriet Davies and Sarah Fliggelstone.
