JUNIOR CELTIC CUP – WOMEN
Cookstown (IRL), 2-4 July 2010
France
Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Day 1: Friday 2 July 2010
Playing at the splendid new water base pitch in Cookstown, Wales began the tournament by meeting the host nation Ireland. They were under no illusions about the strengths of the Irish and two early goals by them really set the scene. However undaunted Wales endeavoured to claw their way back into the match and were rewarded just before half time with a great goal from Phoebe Richards who had raced up the field with great pace. Indeed this period before half time saw Wales play their best hockey.
The Welsh squad had high hopes that they could redress the balance in the second half, but it was Ireland who put the pressure on again and after 12 minutes they were 3 – 1 in the lead. Although Wales continued to compete well, it was Ireland who extended their lead with another goal in the 66'.
Overall, considering Wales had travelled to Ireland on the same day, they showed much determination which augurs well for the next two games.
| 12.00 | Scotland | 0 | France | 2 |
| 16.00 | Ireland | 4 | Wales | 1 |
Day 2: Saturday 3 July 2010
Wales started this game with more confidence and there was much end to end play from both sides. Wales tried hard to close down the Scots and their persistence paid off when they scored the first goal, much to the delight of the Welsh supporters. However the goal was disallowed when both umpires conferred and the joy experienced by the players was short lived. This really tipped the balance in Scotland’s favour and they counter attacked quickly and came up with three quick goals before half time. Psychologically this was a big blow to Wales.
However they came out after half time and managed to compete evenly with Scotland until the final minutes when Scotland netted a further two goals.
Clearly Wales had hoped for a better result, but the disallowed goal certainly changed the dynamics of the game giving Scotland a comprehensive win in the end. However Wales could be consoled by the fact that many observers of the game felt the result was not a true reflection of the play on offer.
| 10.00 | Scotland | 5 | Wales | 0 |
| 14.00 | Ireland | 1 | France | 4 |
Day 3: Sunday 4 July 2010
This was the last match of the Tournament for Wales and it meant yet another early start for the players. The team knew that this would be no easy match as France had already beaten Scotland and Ireland. Similarly to the first day Wales were caught cold at the beginning of the match and 3 quick goals from the French devastated Wales. However for the remainder of the half Wales played some of their best hockey of the Tournament and actually forced 3 short corners. Unfortunately they were unable to convert any of these chances.
The second half followed the same pattern of the first with France consolidating their position by scoring a further 4 goals. Perhaps the highlight of the half was a long pass from Lauren Hutchings to newcomer Amy Howells who surged into the circle and saw her hard shot, hit the goalpost. This was not to be Wales’s day.
Clearly this fairly young Welsh team is now aware of the rigours of international hockey and know that much hard work is necessary before the Euros in Italy
| 10.00 | Wales | 0 | France | 7 |
| 14.00 | Ireland | 0 | Scotland | 2 |
Final results
1st: France
2nd: Ireland
3rd: Scotland
4th: Wales
Match Schedule subject to amendment at the discretion of EHF or the Tournament Director.
Back to Competitions 2009/10 Welsh National Squads U21 Women
