U-21 WOMEN - FRANCE TOUR
Amiens (FRA) 3 – 5 June 2011
DAY 1: Friday 3rd June 2011
After a long journey from Cardiff Wales put in a positive team performance. In spite of it being an evening game the temperature was still very high. A far cry from the UK.
The first 10' saw Wales dominant in the Lille half and they were unlucky not to score. Shortly after this it was Lille who made a quick break and into a 1 – 0 lead. The pattern for the remainder of the first half was the same with Wales having the greater possession but being caught on the break. This led to another goal giving Lille a 2 - 0 lead. Again the second half saw Wales in possession but it was therefore not a surprise when Lille’s South African international star player scored a superb individual goal late in the game.
Player of the match for Wales was Anna Morris in goal who was able to counteract the quick breakaways from Lille.
| 16:00 | Wales | 0 | Lille | 3 | |
DAY 2: Saturday 4th June 2011
In the second game of the Tournament Wales were under much pressure in the opening minutes. This led to several corners for France and finally a straight strike from a corner led to France’s first goal. The next passage of play saw Wales show patience in possession and they kept France at bay until half time.
Replicating the first half, France applied the pressure again and this resulted in a second goal that was slammed into the roof of the net with a reverse shot. Undaunted Wales then went into overdrive and Sophie Clayton slammed the ball straight into the goal. The Welsh team were elated with this and gave France a shock when another shot from Sophie skimmed passed the goalpost Finally however France finished the game off with a third goal.
Overall a spirited performance in the second half from Wales who were playing a side littered with French senior Internationals.
Captain Laura Sugar was outstanding at the heart of the defence.
| 15:00 | Wales | 1 | France | 3 | |
DAY 3: Sunday 5th June 2011
This was the third and final day of the Tournament. The question being asked was “could Wales gain a victory?” Having finished very positively the previous day anticipation was high. For once the weather was much cooler after a thunderstorm the previous evening which was certainly a bonus for the players.
Montrouge started with much verve but the Welsh defence stood firm and slowly but surely Wales began to play with composure and able to maintain possession. Half way through the first half Helen Jelley made a break down the right side overcoming a series of tackles and slamming the ball into the circle for Amy Howells to put the ball in the back of the net. Wales were on a high. Montrouge battled hard to redress the balance but at half time the score remained 1-0 to Wales.
The second half saw Wales playing good hockey but unable to increase the score line. For the Welsh supporters it was a nerve wracking time watching the clock count down. Could Wales gain a well deserved victory? With one and half minutes to go Helen Jelley suffered a nasty smack to the head which necessitated a visit to the local hospital and this tempered any celebrations. Wales went onto win the match and this showed that the team had progressed consistently throughout the tournament.
The Tournament turned out to be a very beneficial tournament for the Welsh girls and the hospitality offered by Amiens Hockey was excellent.
| 13:00 | Wales | 1 | Montrouge | 0 | |
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