EUROHOCKEY U18 CHAMPIONSHIP II - BOYS
Cernusco (ITA), 11 -16 July 2011.
Pool A
Scotland
Austria
Italy
Ukraine
Pool B
Poland
Wales
Switzerland
Czech Republic
DAY 1: Monday 11 July 2011
Their first match in Italy started at a great pace with Wales pushing forward from the start. Chances came thick and fast and in particular Liam Brignull & Matt Pacey went close. Despite this early pressure Czech Republic scored after 11' when the Welsh defence suffered a lapse in concentration. Two minutes later a ferocious stick tackle led to a penalty stroke converted confidently by Ollie Bolwell to level the score. This was closely followed by a goal scored on his reverse stick by Matt Pacey to put Wales ahead.
Chris Howells in goal saved 2 drag flicks from Czech penalty corners but after 24' they equalised. Persistent fouling by the Czechs led to them being reduced to 9 men late into the first half but Wales were unable to capitalise on this situation.
The second half saw 2 Welsh players receive yellow cards early on but inspirational skills from Liam Brignull led to a close range deflected goal from Sam Forman. Brignull then went on to score from a penalty corner to make it 4-2 to Wales. There followed a very nervous period where the Czechs pulled a goal back and had a last minute penalty corner shot saved spectacularly by Chris Howells to the great relief of the Welsh players and supporters.
| 10:00 | B | Poland | 2 | Switzerland | 2 |
| 12:00 | B | Wales | 4 | Czech Republic | 3 |
| 17:00 | A | Austria | 5 | Ukraine | 2 |
| 19:00 | A | Scotland | 3 | Italy | 0 |
DAY 2: Tuesday 12 July 2011
This was a very physical game with both sides failing to create chances in the first 20' as they got the measure of each other. Wales had a goal disallowed after 26' as the shot was adjudged as being too high. Most of the action came in the last 3' of the half with the Polish keeper making three saves in quick succession. Jack Iffla scored in the last minute of the half, a well taken straightforward goal after a great run and cross from Pacey.
The second half saw a loss of discipline on both sides and 6 yellow cards were awarded. At one point Poland were down to 8 men and were fortunate not to lose another player when Kasto was floored by an elbow. Wales scored in the 48’ after a swift counterattack from Liam Brignull which saw him dribble up the pitch and shoot, the ball coming back off the keeper for Jack Carr to slot home. In the space of just three minutes the Poles levelled the scores with the second being a snap shot on the reverse stick which rocketed past keeper Howells into the top of the net. Wales had 3 further penalty corners but were unable to get the winning goal. Tomorrow a good result will be needed to qualify for the semis. Come on Wales!
| 10:00 | B | Switzerland | 6 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 12:00 | B | Wales | 2 | Poland | 2 |
| 17:00 | A | Austria | 4 | Scotland | 1 |
| 19:00 | A | Italy | 2 | Ukraine | 2 |
DAY 3: Wednesday 13 July 2011
This was Wales third game of the Championships at 12:00 so it was a relief that the weather was overcast and raining!
Wales boys started very strong and for the first twenty minutes created numerous chances. The keeper saved three great shots and a further one was cleared off the line by a defender. This persistent pressure did not lead to a goal however and it was 0-0 at half time.
Wales kept up the pressure in the second half and scored almost immediately when Pacey hit a reverse stick shot from the top of the D. The Swiss then had a player yellow carded so Wales pushed hard for a second goal to secure the game.
The game was very one sided until first Challenor and then Brignull were sent off. The Swiss had three penalty corners in quick succession converting the last one to make the score 1-1. Despite concerted efforts the Welsh were unable to get the telling second goal. Unfortunately although undefeated a draw did not give Wales sufficient points to get through to the semis.
| 10:00 | B | Poland | 8 | Czech Republic | 1 |
| 12:00 | B | Switzerland | 1 | Wales | 1 |
| 17:00 | A | Scotland | 5 | Ukraine | 1 |
| 19:00 | A | Italy | 1 | Austria | 4 |
DAY 4: Thursday 14 July 2011
Rest Day
DAY 5: Friday 15 July 2011
In the first of their cross-over matches in Pool C, Wales came from behind to earn a draw against their Italian hosts. Both teams started strongly and the game was end to end in the opening moments.Wales scored in the 8' when Liam Brignull picked up the ball from the half way line and weaved his way past several italian players before putting a reverse stick shot into the top right of the net. A great individual effort.
The Italians equalised three minutes later with an unchallenged run and strike into the D which was deflected in off the back post .Almost the same thing happened in the 20th minute with Wales defence once again crumbling and the same player scoring again.
In the second half Wales played much better and had several attempts at goal, Ollie Davies finally scoring in the 60' with a reverse stick shot from a tight angle when a penalty corner routine broke down. Both teams had further shots but the final score stayed at 2-2
| 10:00 | C | 4A Ukraine | 3 | 4B Czech Republic | 3 |
| 12:00 | C | 3A Italy | 2 | 3B Wales | 2 |
| 16:00 | SF1 | 2A Scotland | 1 | 1B Poland | 0 |
| 18:30 | SF2 | 1A Austria | 4 | 2B Switzerland | 2 |
DAY 6: Saturday 16 July 2011
Ukraine started the game at high tempo and Pylypchuk scored after 6' with a well taken goal which went over Chris Howells shoulder into the roof of net. Poor defending from the Welsh led to a second Ukrainian goal Stretovych taking a quick shot which went in on the near post
Wales continued to pressurise and a minute later scored from a well worked penalty, Pacey deflecting the ball from close range past the keeper. After 20' Wales equalised from a penalty corner with captain Brignull scoring with a straight drag flick past a diving goalie. At 33' Wales took the lead - good play from Brignull releasing Iffla to smash in a shot from the penalty spot.
Wales increases the score in the 10' of the second half. Brignull scoring a deceptive penalty stroke after a foul on Iffla by the goalie. An attacking run from Jack Carr was deflected by the goalie into the path of Pacey who scored the rebound to make the score 5-2. Captain Liam Brignull then completed his hat trick with a straight strike from a penalty corner at 47'.
After 50' Ukraine scored a third goal when poor defensive play allowed Stretovych to place the ball past an onrushing Roblin. With the game opening up Wales continued to press forward creating numerous opportunities until finally Jack Iffla slotted home an accurate pass from Pacey to make the final score 7-3 and ensure Wales place in the Championship 2 division.
Having not lost a match in the tournament, Wales can consider themselves very unfortunate in not finishing in a higher position.
| 10:00 | C | 4A Ukraine | 3 | 3B Wales | 7 |
| 12:00 | C | 3A Italy | 3 | 4B Czech Republic | 2 |
| 16:00 | 3/4 | Poland (aet) | 3 | Switzerland | 2 |
| 18:30 | Final | Scotland | 2 | Austria | 1 |
Final positions
1st: Scotland (promoted to Championship 2013)
2nd: Austria (promoted to Championship 2013)
3rd: Poland
4th: Switzerland
5th: Wales
6th: Italy
7th: Ukraine
8th: Czech Republic
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