U-16 GIRLS' TEST MATCHES
Dublin (IRE) 5th – 7th July 2011
Day 1: Tuesday July 5th 2011
Wales U16 girls started the first of their three games series against their Irish counterparts with a 4- 0 defeat. Unfortunately preparation for the match was not ideal due to the team being delayed at Dublin airport due to a lost bag on the flight; therefore the warm up on the pitch was significantly reduced. Wales started the match well and attacked the Irish for the first 15 mins of the match, however did not create any clear chances. In the 22' the Irish won their 1st short corner which they converted with a deflection at the post giving Ella Jackson no chance of saving it. Ireland scored their 2nd goal just before half time, due to some poor defending by the Welsh.
Following a stern half time talk, Wales started the 2nd half strongly and transferred the ball better around the back and penetrated the Irish D, however they were unable to score. Ireland scored their 3rd goal on the counter attack from their own defensive 25, they moved the ball at pace and created a 3 on 1 attack slipping the ball left at the top of the D as the keeper came out, for a forward to slot home an easy goal. Wales continued to probe the Ireland goal, however were not able to convert and Ireland sealed a convincing victory with a 4th late goal.
| 16:00 | Ireland | 4 | Wales | 0 |
Day 2: Wednesday July 6th 2011
Following a video analysis of the previous game and a good training session, Wales went into this game hoping for revenge. The girls were really up for a victory and started the game well. The passing and tackling were both slicker and the match was much more competitive. Unfortunately Ireland scored the 1st goal and the 2nd soon followed. However Welsh heads did not drop and they continued to battle hard. 5' before half time, Wales won a short corner and deservedly scored their 1st goal of the series from a straight strike from the top of the D by the captain for this match, Rhiannon Griffiths.
Wales started the 2nd half as they finished the 1st half, putting tremendous pressure on the Irish. All the girls worked exceptionally hard, closing down the Irish players and hassling them all over the pitch. They soon got their just reward. Lois Evans made a fantastic run with the ball from half way down the right side of the pitch and crossed at the edge of the D for Georgia Morgan to score a fantastic equaliser. 2- 2 and the belief was back for the Welsh girls. Unfortunately towards the end of the match the Irish were to dash the girls dreams when they scored their 3rd and winning goal and take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
| 15:00 | Ireland | 3 | Wales | 2 |
Day 3: Thursday July 7th 2011
Morale was high and the girls were determined to end the season with a victory in the final match of the series. Having learned from their mistakes of the previous matches, the Welsh girls started the match hard and the 1st half was a very hard fought stalemate going in at half time 0- 0. Both teams created chances but neither side was able to convert, a fair score for a hard fought half.
The 2nd half continued as it had finished with end to end hockey, however unfortunately soon afterwards the Welsh girls had a 10 minute period where they lost their concentration and allowed Ireland to score 2 goals from open play. Despite regaining their composure and attacking with determination, Wales were unable to get the goal that they deserved and they lost the match 2- 0.
Despite losing the series 3- 0, these results were a huge improvement on previous years which shows how far this U16 squad has progressed this season. The Players Player of the Season award was given to Alys Smith and the Management Team's award for most improved player was given to Sian Jones.
| 10:00 | Ireland | 2 | Wales | 0 |
Back to Competitions 2010/11 Welsh National Squads U16 Girls
