WOMEN'S EUROHOCKEY CUP WINNERS TROPHY
21-24 March 2008, Ghent, Belgium
Pool A
Pembroke Wanderers HC (IRL)
SK Slavia Praha (CZE)
HC Moscow Region (RUS)
Penarth LHC (WAL)
Pool B
CUS Catania (ITA)
ARA La Gantoise (BEL)
HC Olten (SUI)
HC SW Maximal Wels (AUT)
Day 1: Friday 21 March 2008
| 10.00 | A | Pembroke Wanderers | 5 |
Penarth | 1 |
| 12.00 | A | SK Slavia Praha | 1 |
HC Moscow Region | 1 |
| 14.00 | B | CUS Catania | 4 | SW Maximal Wels | 2 |
| 16.00 | B | ARA La Gantoise | 3 | HC Olten | 0 |
In their first game of the tournament Penarth came up against a very strong and organised Irish team. Penarth started well with some good linking and solid defence, however Pembroke broke the deadlock to score 2 goals in quick succession. A third goal from open play saw the Irish take a 3-0 lead into half time.
A spirited performance from Penarth in the second half produced a more evenly matched game, conceding a goal from a short corner. However Penarth responded with some good attacking play and determined defence which was rewarded with a good team goal with some quick passes exchanged between Kate Morgan and Bridget Radice, with Kate tipping it in off the post.
Pembroke got one more to make the final score 5-1 with the match ending during a flurry of bad weather with sleet turning the pitch white!
Day 2: Saturday 22 March 2008
| 10.00 | A | Pembroke Wanderers | 2 | HC Moscow Region | 1 |
| 12.00 | A | SK Slavia Praha | 3 | Penarth | 0 |
| 14.00 | B | ARA La Gantoise | 4 | SW Maximal Wels | 3 |
| 16.00 | B | CUS Catania | 3 | HC Olten | 2 |
Slavia Praha (CZE) had the better of the first half scoring a goal through open play from deep in their half. Penarth responded well but could not capitalise from their 3 short corners to go into half time 1-0 down. A period of sustained pressure in the second half saw Penarth denied an equaliser from one of the four short corners when Sian Baldwin put the ball in the goal, only for the umpire to call it as being struck from outside the circle. Penarth were however punished through two late goals against the run of play. Angela Ninian again had an outstanding game in goal. The final score of 3-0 did not reflect the pressure Penarth had throughout, but their failure to convert their chances proved costly.
Day 3: Sunday 23 March 2008
| 10.00 | A | HC Moscow Region | 5 | Penarth | 2 |
| 12.00 | A | Pembroke Wanderers | 2 | SK Slavia Praha | 0 |
| 14.00 | B | CUS Catania | 0 | ARA La Gantoise | 3 |
| 16.00 | B | HC Olten | 3 | SW Maximal Wels | 3 |
Penarth found themselves a goal down when Russia hit through a crowded circle early in the game giving Angela Ninian little chance of a clear view. A sustained attack by Penarth was unrewarded and Russia on the counter attack broke and scored a second. Penarth did not give up in what was a physical encounter and were rewarded with a free hit outside the circle which was finished at the post by Kate Morgan to finish 2-1 at half time.
In the second half Penarth showed great determination and focus and continued to press for an equaliser. However, the Russians continued their counter attacking game and took a well finished third goal. Penarth did not crumble and kept up the pressure on the Russian team and were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted by captain Sian Baldwin. While still pressing for the equaliser, the Russians proved clinical in the finishing and got two quick late goals. Final score 5-2.
Day 4: Monday 24 March 2008
| 11.30 | Penarth (4A) | 5 | SW Maximal Wels (3B) | 2 | |
| 12.45 | SK Slavia Praha (3A) | 2 | HC Olten (4B) | 1 | |
| 14.00 | HC Moscow Region (2A) | 1 | ARA La Gantoise (1B) | 4 | |
| 16.00 | Pembroke Wanderers (1A) | 2 |
CUS Catania (2B) | 3 | |
Final day cross pool classification. Overnight snow resulted in a snow covered pitch which through diligent hard work by the Belgian hosts meant an eleven thirty start. It had been agreed by the EHF to play a shortened game of twenty minutes each way. Austria started sharply and from a corner took an early lead. Penarth responded with some slick interlinking play, putting pressure on the Austrians and finished by Kate Morgan for the equaliser. Penarth scored a second with some quick passing and good supportive work from the midfield finding space behind the Austrians which was finished by Bridget Radice.
A corner awarded to Penarth on half time was clinically finished by Kate Morgan to end 3-1 at half time.
A determined Penarth continued to build and pressurise and scored an early fourth. Cat Morton set it up down the right with Kirsten Tedder's persistence on the top of the circle, led to a spectacular strike and her hat-trick goal from Kate Morgan. With 6 minutes to go, the Austrians struck a second goal, but all hopes of a comeback were dashed by a fifth and final goal from Bridget Radice claiming her second from a reverse stick shot. Final score 5-2 to Penarth ensuring Wales a place in the tournament next year.
Final Positions
1st: CUS Catania
2nd: Pembroke Wanderers
3rd: ARA Lan Gantoise
4th: HC Moscow Region
=5th: SK Slavia Praha
=5th: Penarth
=7th: SW Maximal Wels
=7th: HC Olten
