SENIOR MEN v IRELAND
Dublin (IRE) 9th – 12th June
DAY 1: Thursday 9th June 2011
Wales played Ireland in the first of three test matches at UCD in Dublin. Ireland had the best possible start when they scored in the 1', the result of any turn over in the Welsh half. After this setback, Wales then settled and started to create chances of their own and in the 7' gained a penalty corner but were unable to convert the opportunity. The middle of the first half was somewhat of a stalemate with neither side being able to break down the oppostion defence. Wales then conceded a second goal in the 31' when the hosts converted from from a low drag flick into the corner. A further goal was scored by Ireland after 33' as Wales let in a sloppy goal to go 3-0 down at half time.
The second half was a much better display for Wales, with a penalty corner well saved by the Irish 'keeper in the 42'.
Ben Croxall then deflected a precision pass from Rick Gay to make the scoreline 3-1, Wales kept the pressure on Ireland and gained a further two corners but the Irish keeper was not to be beaten. In the 52' Joe Naughalty scored from open play to make the score line 3-2 and despite Wales continuing to press hard to get the equliser the home defence held on to record a 3-1 victory.
A very entertaining game with Wales creating sufficient opportunities to get a result and in the end were disappointed to lose the game.
| 20:00 | Wales | 2 | Ireland | 3 | |
DAY 2: Saturday 11th June 2011
The secind match against Ireland started at a furious pace with Wales matching their opposition and creating good opportunities to take the lead. Wales had three corners and converted the third to take the lead after Joe Naughalty tipped in from Rick Gay in the 27' to leave Wales with a half time lead.
Early in the second half Ireland were the stronger but the Welsh defence held tight to maintain their advantage. Wales then started to get into the game and doubled their lead from a well worked short corner in which Matt Ruxton scored. Ireland kept pushing forward and Mitch Darling converted from open play to put the hosts on the score sheet. A turnover then lead to the Irish equaliser but Wales continued to create good chances and in the 67'a fast flowing move nearly lead to a third goal. In the last quarter Ireland earned their first panalty corner which was well saved by Iwan Williams in goal.
With a final scorline of 2-2, Wales will looking forward to the final test on Sunday as this was a good all round performance in which Wales competed well with Ireland.
| 16:00 | Wales | 2 | Ireland | 2 | |
DAY 3: Sunday 12th June 2011
Wales played Ireland in the final test match in driving rain - certainly not the weather for June. In another tight match both defences held firm until the last minute of the first half when Ireland converted from a penalty corner to take the lead at the break. It was another tight affair in the second half with Wales trying to equalise but it was the Irish who doubled their lead in the 44'. Not to be outdone Rick Gay converted a penalty stroke to get the Welsh back in the game. Try as they might Wales could not force the equaliser but the game was put beyond their reach with the hosts scoring two quick goals to seal the victory and the series.
This was the start to the build up for the EuroHockey Nations tournament and it was pleasing to see that Wales competed with a well drilled Irish side, the younger players gained further experience in international hockey and Wales will now look forward to the celtic cup next weekend in cardiff .
| 14:00 | Wales | 1 | Ireland | 4 | |
