Annual England v Wales Mixed International
In the annual Mixed International against England at Milton Keynes, a score line of 2-5 certainly flattered England with Wales more than holding their own for large periods of the game.
Wales dominated the opening exchanges with England barely getting out of their half but following a quick break down their right a deliberate offence left the umpire little option other than to award a penalty stroke which was duly converted by Ben Allberry (Guernsey HC) to give the hosts an underserved 1-0 lead. Wales started to rebuild following this early setback and Emma Winch came close to equalising after 15'. Wales's first penalty corner proved to be successful with the ball being passed back to the injector, Simon Jeeves (Whitchurch HC), who flicked the ball high into the net to draw Wales level. England countered and David Smith probably found it harder to miss than score when left with only the goalkeeper to beat but a penalty corner awarded right on the stroke of half time proved to be the turning point of the game when Allberry converted to give England a close lead at the break.
Wales had obviously listened to Coach Andy Jones's second half game plan as they came out a rejuvenated side and kept England penned into their own half. However despite creating a number of chances the final touch would not come. England extended their lead with Allberry scoring a very well taken goal after 44' and the same player put the game beyond Wales' reach just 1 minute later with another trade mark penalty corner. Bridget Radice (Swansea LHC) pulled one back for the Welsh, tapping in a chip over the goalkeeper but Allberry was not to be denied, scoring his and England's 5th after 64'. Despite some indiscipline in the England ranks with three players all receiving yellow cards, including two within 30 seconds of each other towards the end of the match Wales could not claw back the three goal deficit to leave England victorious.
England's Colin Whalley paid tribute to the two squads including the respective management teams in what was yet again, despite the score line a very successful day for all involved. Thanks must be offered to Milton Keynes HC for their hosting of the event and to Alison Austin for the organisation. Both squads are looking forward to renewing the rivalry next season when Wales will be the hosts.
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