EUROHOCKEY U18 CHAMPIONSHIP II - GIRLS
All games streamed live on www.strizna.cz
Prague (CZE), 10 -15 July 2011.
Pool A
Russia
Ukraine
Poland
Italy
Pool B
Lithuania
Czech Republic
Wales
Switzerland
DAY 1: Sunday 10 July 2011
The Wales U18 Womens' team arrived in Prague on Friday, full of enthusiasm at the prospect of the challenges ahead in the Euro Hockey U18 Championship II. After a good training session on the Saturday afternoon, Wales eagerly looked forward to their first encounter with Lithuania.
A fiercely contested opening game brought the best out in the Welsh players. The girls took the game to the Lithuanians playing at a very high tempo and dominated the first half through penetrative passing and aggressive defending. Despite the very high temperatures, the Welsh girls maintained their cool, but lacked the clinical finish.
The good work continued through into the second half leading to an early Welsh goal. Some excellent direct play from Kate Howson set up forward Phoebe Richards to score after 39'. Just 5' later, the dynamic Eloise Laity made a surging run down the right hand side resulting in a cross and a goal from Nakita James at close range. Lithuanian heads went down as the Welsh continued with their high intensity of play and the defence held strong to keep a clean sheet.
This was a very good start from the team in their opening game. The Welsh girls look forward to their next challenge, facing opponents Switzerland tomorrow at 15:00 (14:00 BST)
| 11:00 | A | Russia | 5 | Poland | 1 |
| 13:00 | A | Ukraine | 3 | Italy | 4 |
| 15:00 | B | Lithuania | 0 | Wales | 2 |
| 17:00 | B | Czech Republic | 2 | Switzerland | 0 |
DAY 2: Monday 11 July 2011
There was a positive spirit amongst the Welsh team going into the second day of the Euro Hockey U18 Championship II in Prague against Switzerland.
Wales opened the scoring early after just 7'. An accurate cross supplied from Naomi James was met by a typical Nakita James finish to put the team ahead. The Welsh girls continued to take the game to the Swiss. This resulted in a well-deserved second goal after a fantastic slap from Kate Aldridge, which was touched in motion on the line by top goal scorer Nakita James. This took Wales into a 2- 0 lead. However, the Swiss hit back scoring 5' later in the 31'.
The half-time team talk saw a passionate rally together from the squad and management team to continue with their focus in the game. The second half began much like the first, with the competitive nature of the Welsh staying strong for the first twenty five minutes. A sudden break of play from the Swiss resulted in a goal. For the first time in the tournament, Wales were put under pressure for a result. However the determination from the Welsh team was evident. A superb strike from Naomi James that rattled the back board secured Wales' second victory of the tournament.
The final match of the day saw the second of the Pool B matches, Lithuania vs. Czech Republic. For Wales to automatically qualify for the semi-finals a draw or win from the Czech Republic was needed. Lithuanian led for sixty five minutes and it looked as though Wales would have to wait until tomorrow to secure their place. However, a well executed penalty corner from the Czech Republic brought the scores level. This ensures Wales a place in the semi-final. Clare Harvie (Head Coach) "is delighted with the performance so far and relishes the challenge of the forthcoming games".
Also this evening Wales goalkeeper Erin Gough and forward Nakita James spoke to Eleri Sion at home with an interview regarding the team's performance. Diolch yn fawr Eleri!
Tomorrow, Wales face the Czech Republic at 17:00. The result of which will determine the positions in the table. A win for the Welsh team would secure a first place finish in Pool B.
| 11:00 | A | Poland | 0 | Italy | 0 |
| 13:00 | A | Ukraine | 2 | Russia | 3 |
| 15:00 | B | Wales | 3 | Switzerland | 2 |
| 17:00 | B | Czech Republic | 1 | Lithuania | 1 |
DAY 3: Tuesday 12 July 2011
Having watched the Swiss beat Lithuania 1- 0, it was confirmed that the Czech Republic would join Wales in the semi- finals. Today's game would decide the winner of Pool B.
In searing temperatures and in front of a home crowd, competition was always going to be tough. It was very unfortunate that Chloe Sinnott was injured during the warm up and was therefore replaced by Kate Howson before the start of the game.
The fierce opening exchanges resulted in a goal for the Czech Republic from a break down at a penalty corner. The Welsh girls fought back, and there was a glimpse of an equaliser from Nakita James in the 18'. However the ball skimmed the post and went wide. The balance of the game continued to shift as the end of the first half saw a disallowed Czech goal and a Welsh penalty stroke saved by the Czech keeper.
Wales came out of the half-time briefing very confident and dominated the majority of play. As the Czechs tired, the Welsh girls appeared to become stronger and were unfortunate not to convert a number of chances. Phoebe Richards had a number of shots on target and Erin Gough made a fantastic save to continue to apply the pressure on the Czechs. Wales were in it until the bitter end, being awarded with a penalty corner in the final 30 seconds. An adapted penalty corner led to Kate Howson's deflection squeezing wide of the goal, narrowly missing the outside post.
Outstanding performances today came from Captain Jo Westwood, forward Phoebe Richards and midfielder Natalie Capel.
Wales have a deserved rest day tomorrow, and look forward to the challenge of the semi-finals against Italy on Thursday at 17:30.
| 11:00 | A | Russia | 0 | Italy | 1 |
| 13:00 | A | Poland | 2 | Ukraine | 1 |
| 15:00 | B | Lithuania | 0 | Switzerland | 1 |
| 17:00 | B | Wales | 0 | Czech Republic | 1 |
DAY 4: Wednesday 13 July 2011
Rest Day
DAY 5: Thursday 14 July 2011
Wales on the attack!
The Welsh girls prepared professionally for their challenging semi-final encounter by a motivational national anthem in the changing rooms before the start of the game. With 'Mae hen whald fyn nhadau' ringing through the Czech Republic, confidence was high in the Welsh camp.
The first half can only be described as a war of attrition as both sides tried hard to find a gap to score. Each team defended doggedly with Wales unable to win any penalty corners, and only conceding three to the Italians.
After a calming half time talk the girls continued to work hard and a quick clearance from defender Sophie Rees, sent Phoebe Richards and Eloise Laity away on a swift counter attack. Eloise Laity's pass from the right was inch perfect for Phoebe Richards to score from close range. However, having opened the scoring Wales then seemed to sit back which resulted in Italy converting a drag flick penalty corner. The fierce competition continued until full time.
Extra- time was seven and a half minutes each way with golden goal. Wales again applied relentless pressure to the Italians, who were beginning to lose their cool and receive yellow cards. The Welsh break-through came thirty seconds from the half time hooter, with Eloise Laity stealing the ball from the skilful Italian sweeper and delivering another inch perfect pass for Nakita James to slot into the bottom corner.
Wales U18 Women now play in the Euro Hockey Championship II Final against Russia at 17:00 (16:00 BST) tomorrow, guaranteeing a well earned medal. The result already means Wales have been promoted to the top division category for 2013/14 season and is the best result from a EuroHockey Nations Youth tournament for any Welsh U-18 Girls squad.
The game can be watched live on-line at www.strizna.cz
The winning goal!
Through to the final!!!
| 11:00 | C | 4A Ukraine | 1 | 4B Lithuania | 2 |
| 13:00 | C | 3A Poland | 3 | 3B Switzerland | 1 |
| 15:00 | SF1 | 2A Russia (apso)* | 2 | 1B Czech Republic | 1 |
| 17:30 | SF2 | 1A Italy | 1 | 2B Wales (aet) | 2 |
DAY 6: Friday 15 July 2011
In the words of the Take That song 'Today this could be one of the greatest days in Welsh under 18 Girls History' as we played the Russians in the Euro Hockey U18 Championship II final.
Whilst the encounter was physically brutal Wales held their heads and rode through the fierce tackles made by the Russians. The opening goal came from Russia with a well-executed penalty corner after 10'. However the Welsh girls immediately bounced back to score from a diving effort from forward Naomi James. The game remained very tight with few chances falling to either team.
After reconsidering the game plan and a rousing speech from assistant coach Andy Gowman, the girls took to the pitch determined to give their all. They stuck doggedly to their task but as fatigue set in, Russia earned a set of penalty corners, one of which resulted in a goal. The Welsh girls were now chasing the game and pushed everyone forward. They managed to create a number of chances and came very close to scoring but were unfortunate not to level the score. The final score was 2-1 to Russia. The Welsh team leave Prague as Silver Medallists and are promoted to the Championship division - this is an outstanding achievement.
Special mention should go to captain Jo Westwood who led by example and to Nakita James for being awarded with the Tournament's top goal scorer award.
We would like to express our appreciation and thanks to the large number of parents and family that travelled to Prague to support the team. Your presence was invaluable and made us feel at home.
| 10:00 | C | 4A Ukraine | 2 | 3B Switzerland | 1 |
| 12:00 | C | 3A Poland | 5 | 4B Lithuania | 1 |
| 14:30 | 3/4 | Czech Republic (apso)* | 2 | Italy | 1 |
| 17:00 | Final | Russia | 2 | Wales | 1 |
* apso - after penalty shoot out
Final positions
1st: Russia (Promoted to Championship in 2013)
2nd: Wales (Promoted to Championship in 2013)
3rd: Czech Republic
4th: Italy
5th: Poland
6th: Ukraine
7th: Switzerland
8th: Lithuania (Relegated to Championship III in 2013)
Back to Competitions 2010-11 Back to Welsh National Squads U18 Girls
