Hockey Wales Cup Finals
There is only a month to go until the Cup Final weekend comes to Cardiff over 23rd – 24th March and with seven teams having already booked their place for the showpiece event of the year we are busy getting ready for the event. The finals, held annually at the National Hockey Centre, Cardiff, will see twelve teams compete for six trophies with the Men's and Women's 2nd XI Cup, the Men's and Women's Welsh Shield and finally the Men's and Women Welsh Cup. The competitions are the completion of a season's worth of games across the whole of Wales. We take a look at who has been involved this year and what we can expect on the 23rd – 24th of March!
Men's 2nd XI Cup
Last year's competition winners Whitchurch are aiming to secure back to back wins in this year's competition as they prepare to take on Cardiff University for a spot in the final. In the other game, Cardiff Medics take on Bridgend with both teams winning their 2nd Round matches against Aberystwyth and Wrexham 2-0.
Semi-Finals (to be played 10th March 2013)
- Cardiff Medicals v Bridgend
- Whitchurch v Cardiff University
With Cardiff & UWIC out of the competition, this will be the first year since 2007/8 where Whitchurch and Cardiff & UWIC have not done battle for the 2nd XI cup!
Women's 2nd XI Cup
Swansea City look to defend their 2012 Trophy but have a tough match against Howardians to come through before they can do it. In the other semi-final Newport Gwent take on Penarth (who beat Bridgend in the third round 3–1) will be looking for a place in the final on the 23rd or 24th of March.
Semi-Finals (to be played 10th March 2013)
- Swansea City v Howardian
- Newport Gwent v Penarth
This year there is a possibility of a rematch from the 2011/12 season as Swansea and Penarth are still in the competition, while Newport Gwent will be looking to make their first appearance in the final.
Men's Welsh Shield
In a repeat of the 2012 Final, Bridgend take on Swansea University as the University look to overturn the narrow 4-3 loss they suffered last year. Bridgend (who will be making their 13th appearance in 14 years) beat Gwent 8 – 1 to book their place in the final and will have no intention of giving up the trophy easily.
- Bridgend v Swansea University
Bridgend will make it 12 appearances in the Welsh Shield when they take on Swansea University this year, with the 2006/7 season being the only season since 2000/1 where the team weren't in the final. Of those eleven appearances Bridgend have won four, including last years success.
Women's Welsh Shield
In the first of two appearances this year, North Wales team Rhuthun take on Swansea University as they look to go one step further and take home the trophy following their defeat in last year's final. Rhuthun beat Llandysul 3 - 0 to book their passage into the final. As Cardiff Metropolitan have withdrawn from the final the two losing semi-finalists will play off to see who will win the right to face Rhuthun in the final.
- Rhuthun v Swansea University or Llandysul
Rhuthun, who last won the competition 4-3 (aet) in 2010/11 will look to become the 5th North Wales team to lift the Shield.
Men's Welsh Cup
Last year's Welsh Cup winners Cardiff University have already guaranteed their place in the final, whilst we wait for the outcome of the Swansea University v Swansea City game which will take place on 10th March. Cardiff Uni beat Wrexham 6 – 2 in the semi-final and will be looking to make it another year to remember and secure the coveted trophy for a second year running. With possible European qualification at stake this will be a great game to come and watch!
- Cardiff University v Swansea University or Swansea City
Women's Welsh Cup
In their second appearance at the finals, Rhuthun look to take the Welsh Cup back to North Wales for the first time since 1999/2000 as they look to overcome last year's winners Cardiff University. Cardiff University had to go into extra time to secure the semi-final win against Penarth, while Rhuthun had a 1 – 0 win over Newport Gwent to secure their place.
- Rhuthun v Cardiff University
How can I see it?
This year's Cup Finals will be taking place at the National Hockey Centre at the Sport Wales National Centre. The schedule cannot be completed until all the finalists are known but the games will take place on the 23rd and 24th March.
Tickets will be available on the gate at the following prices:
- Day ticket: £5
- Weekend Ticket: £8
- Under 16s: Free entry
As well as the great hockey (and hopefully great weather!) we will also have food, drinks and a number of great activities you can get involved in!
