U-16 GIRLS v SCOTLAND
Largs (SCO), 23rd – 25th April 2011
Day 1: Saturday 23rd April 2011
Wales U16 girls started the first of their three game series against their Scottish counterparts with a convincing 3-0 win. The Welsh team, fielding a mixture of previous internationals and girls winning their first caps, dominated the first half - a half which saw them scoring all three of their goals.
The first goal, scored by Lois Evans after 9', was as a result of an accurate cross in from the left wing by Sian Jones, with Lois beating the keeper with her first strike. Both teams then continued to put pressure on each other following the first goal, with strong tackling demonstrated by both sides. Wales narrowly missed chances to increase their lead in the next 10' until after 21', Rachel Bradshaw skillfully beat the Scottish keeper to make it 2-0.
Scotland had an opportunity to score in the 34', but their shot at goal was saved by the Welsh keeper, Ella Jackson, maintaining her teams 2-0 advantage. Wales finished the first half with another goal 20 seconds before the whistle, with Lois Evans adding her second goal, after pouncing on a deflection off the Scottish goalkeeper.
Wales started the second half strongly, with the Welsh forwards consistently putting the Scottish defence under pressure. Scotland broke away following a Welsh attack and earned a penalty corner in the 38', which saw Ella Jackson having to make a series of saves.
Wales made effective substitutions, using all of their 16 girl squad to its full effect. Both sides played free flowing hockey towards the end of the second half, making it an exciting game for the viewing spectators, many of which had travelled from Wales to give their support. Wales ended the game strongly and ran out 3-0 winners. They now go into the second test (Sunday, 17.00pm) hoping to replicate their win and seal the series.
| 15:00 | Wales U16 Girls | 3 | Scotland | 0 |
Day 2: Sunday 24th April 2011
Wales went into this game hoping to replicate their 3-0 win in yesterday's game, but were denied this opportunity by a very strong and urgent Scottish side. Scotland started the game at a high tempo and won a penalty corner in the 2' from which they scored, putting Wales 1-0 behind. Wales duly counterattacked and were themselves awarded a penalty corner in the 4' after a skilful run into the circle by Georgia Morgan , but were denied a goal when Catrin Booking's shot was deflected off the post. Scotland continued to put Wales under pressure and were awarded another penalty corner in the 6', again from which they scored. Play was end to end throughout the first half, with both sides making effective use of their substitutions. Wales failed to capitalise from a series on chances in the second quarter and this saw them going into half time down 2-0.
Wales started the second half as the strongest side and quickly put the Scottish defence under pressure. This pressure paid off when Lois Evans added to yesterday's tally in the 37', by beating the Scottish keeper to make the score 2-1. Scotland however continued to play well and made the Welsh defence work hard. Wales went down to 10 players after a green card was awarded to a Welsh midfielder and Scotland capitalised on this advantage to make it 3-1 in the 47'. Wales' goalkeeper, Rachel Clare had to make a series of saves in the second half to keep Wales in the game and they came back to 3-2 after Wales captain Beth Bingham scored from a penalty corner in the 60', which made for an exciting finish to the game. A penalty stroke in the 68' was scored by Wales' midfielder Rachel Bradshaw, making the score 3-3. Scotland finished the last two minutes of the game in the Welsh 25, but were denied a winning goal.
Wales now go into tomorrow's final game (Monday, 9.00am) looking for a win to end the series.
| 17:00 | Wales U16 Girls | 3 | Scotland | 3 |
Day 3: Monday 25th April 2011
Wales went into this game with high hopes of sealing the three test series with a win over their Scottish counterparts. Both teams started well, with end to end play in the first 10', putting pressure on both sets of defences. Wales had an early chance when Megan Evans made a run from defence into the opponent’s 25, passing to Lois Evans, who crossed the ball to Sian Jones, forcing the Scottish keeper to make an excellent save. This pressure paid off in the 10', when a hit towards goal from behind the 25 was deftly deflected into goal by Alys Smith, scoring her first goal for Wales. Scotland, looking for a quick equaliser, came back strongly and the Welsh keeper, Ella Jackson, was forced to make a series of saves from a period of pressure from Scotland.
Georgia Morgan increased Wales’ lead in the 17', after beating two Scottish defenders with her pace and slotting the ball past Scotland’s keeper. This lead was quickly increased in the very next minute, when Alys Smith scored again, this time from a penalty corner, making it 3-0. However, Scotland continued to apply pressure on Wales and capitalised on a chance in the 28' to make the score 3-1 at half time.
Both sides had opportunities to score in the second half, but saw chances either being missed or go wide. Both keepers were kept busy throughout the game, being tested by players on either side who showed individual skill and character. An unfortunate carding of a Welsh midfielder in the middle of the second half saw the Welsh defence tested to the limit, forcing Ella Jackson to make a series of agile saves to keep Wales’ lead at 3-1. The Welsh players work rate was high throughout the game and this paid off, as Wales finished the game and series as winners.
The players wish to thank their supporters who encouraged them throughout the three games and look forward to playing their next games in France in July.
| 09:00 | Wales U16 Girls | 3 | Scotland | 1 |
Back to Competitions 2010/11 Welsh National Squads U16 Girls
