EUROLUC SUPER-VETS (MEN 60+)
Lille (FRA): 13/14 March 2010
16th March 2010
Vets 60's+ lift the Super-Vets Trophy for the Second Year
Against strong European opposition, the Welsh Grand Masters (60s+) retained the trophy they won last year in the French hosted tournament. Over 13th & 14th March 2010 at Ronchin Hockey Club in Lille, the Welsh Dragons took part in the Euroluc Super-Veterans 2010 Over-60s tournament. Matches were played over 25 minutes each and were organised in two pools of four. The Dragons played the other three teams in their pool on the Saturday, losing 1-0 to Egypt, beating Scotland Thistles 1-0 and beating the Belgian Eburons 2-0, thus going in to Sunday's semi-final. On the Sunday, the Welshmen beat an England LX (0-0 normal time and 4-3 on penalty flicks) in the semi-final and played Scotland, again, this time in the final, beating them 1-0 to lift the cup!
The Dragons started off slowly on the Saturday morning against Egypt but, despite having total domination throughout the match, were unable to put away several gilt-edged chances. Disaster struck five minutes from time when, in a rare attack, Egypt gained - and subsequently converted - a penalty flick to go on to win the match 1-0. The next match against Scotland was therefore highly important and the team rose to the task magnificently, raising their game against talented opponents. With five minutes left Ian Towler expertly deflected a midfield pass from Over 60s captain Roger Willis into the Scottish net, for Wales to gain a well-merited win. In the afternoon, the Belgian Eburons fought hard but the Welsh team were now playing with increasing confidence and won comfortably with two goals scored by their centre forward, Martin Kavanagh.
In the semi-final on the Sunday morning, a skilful England LX team initially dominated possession but Wales showed strong defensive qualities with Tony Nicholas at left back having an excellent match. Wales’s greater mobility and fitness started to pay dividends and they started to attack down the flanks with Ian Towler on the right and Martin Day on the left. Several short corners were gained but Wales were unable to convert any of them so the match ended goal-less and went to penalty flicks. Wales won this contest 4-3 with successful strikes from Chris Hills, Chris Harness, Richard Harbottle and Martin Day with goalkeeper Glyn Thomas making two important saves.
By the time the final came round at 3.15 there was no stopping the Welsh team and, in front of a large crowd, they scored the winning goal from a short corner with five minutes remaining. The hero on this occasion was substitute Glynne Best who instantly controlled the slip-pass from Martin Kavanagh before picking his spot and putting the ball in the back of the net. It was a case of saving the Best until last!
As last year Wales had generally entertained the watching crowd throughout the weekend with their slick passing and intelligent movement off the ball. Playing a 4-4-2 formation, the two forwards were always a handful for the opposition; the four-man midfield were very strong going forward and supportive of each other in defence; and the defenders were solid and determined throughout. When Wales lifted the cup it was clear that everyone considered 'Pays de Galles' to be the team of the tournament!
Welsh squad: Martin Kavanagh; Roger Willis; Ian Towler; Martin Day; Tony Nicholas; Pal Lottay; Dave Maas; Keith Davies; Richard Harbottle; Chris Hills Alan Coles; Glynne Best; Glyn Thomas. Manager Chris Harness.
