SENIOR MEN v AUSTRIA
Vienna (AUT) 21st - 24th July
Day 1: Thursday 21st July 2011
Wales dominated the early exchanges in the first of a three test series with precision passing all over the pitch which had the Austrians defending deep in their own half. Iin the 16' Wales earned their first penalty corner which Mike Shaw converted to give the visitors a deserved 1-0 lead. Wales continued to string passes together but were unable to convert their numerous chances and at half time the single goal lead lead did not do justice to Wales's dominance.
The second half saw Wales continue to pass to press the Austrians but after 40' the hosts were awarded a penalty corner which they converted. The game then went through a stalemate with both sides trying to push for the win but it was Austria who scored again in the final minute to finish 2-1 victors. Overall
a disappointing finish to a game which Wales dominated for long periods and they will be looking to avenge the defeat in the second match on Saturday.
| 20:00 | Wales | 1 | Austria | 2 |
Day 2: Saturday 23rd July 2011
Wales opened the scoring in the 4' when Mike Shaw converted a penalty corner which settled any early nerves. Wales then started to play attractive hockey and strung numerous passes together to continuously open the Austrian defence and after 21' a good inter passing move from back to front nearly resulted in Wales doubling their lead.
The second half was much the same and in the 47' a fast break by the Welsh forwards resulted in Rhys Gowman scoring his first goal for the senior side. Just 1' minute later however the Austrians scored from open play to make the score 2-1 but 6' from the end Andy Cornick scored from open play to make the game safe.
A good 3-1 win after the disappointing scoreline on thursday. Wales will play the final test on Sunday and will be looking to win the series before they depart for the EuroHockey Nations Trophy next month.
| 11:30 | Wales | 3 | Austria | 1 |
Day 3: Sunday 24th July 2011
In the third and final test, Wales again opened the scoring in the 4', when after a fast break Rrhys Gowman finished to give wales a 1-0 lead. The Austrians then responded with a penalty corner which David Kettle in the welsh goal saved well. After 16' Wales doubled theirr lead when Owain Dolan-Grey scored from open play. Wales tried to put the game beyond Austria's reach but could not get past the stubborn Austrian defence.
With Wales leading 2-0 at the break the second half was much the same as the first with Wales cutting open the Austrian defence with Captain Matt Ruxton, Marl Whatling and Andy Cornickk all coming close to increasing the lead. However in the 39' the hosts scored from a short corner to make it 2-1. Wales kept the presuure on and with the game getting tense in the final 10' Wales were at one point down to 8 players through yellow card offences. Mike Shaw made the game safe when converting a penalty corner after 64' to again give Wales a 2 goal cushion. The Austrians scored a further reply with just 3' to go but Wales held on to win the game and the series.
Overall a good series win away from home against a side that ranked higher then Wales in the FIH rankings.
| 12:00 | Wales | 3 | Austria | 2 |
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