30th June 2010
Wales Over 40s Ladies Veterans Tournament 19th – 20th June 2010
Wales played host to the first ever UK Four Nations Ladies Veterans tournament in Swansea with the late inclusion of an Irish team to compete with England, Scotland and the host nation. This was Ireland's first foray into Ladies Vets and they did not field a team in the Over 45s tournament, which was also held this weekend.
WALES v ENGLAND – 19th JUNE
Wales' opening game was to be a closely contested affair. The resting of Wales players involved in European Clubs competitions in May had provided opportunity for some new blood to be tested in the recent Combined Services tournament in Aldershot and a number of "youngsters" had impressed sufficiently to be included in the squad this weekend.
Despite missing a number of regulars themselves, England started the game very much on the front foot launching a series of attacks, which were ably dealt with by a strong Welsh back four of Alison Hibbert, Janine Jones-Prichard, Tracey Bow and Gail Humphreys. Wales soon hit their stride however and retaliated with some fine midfield forays, Captain Anne Barratt combining well with Kirsten Tedder to create several opportunities to test England's defence and one such foray resulted in a stick tackle on Lisa Sullivan in front of goal allowing Wales to take the lead through a confidently taken right-side flick from Tracey Bow.
England started the 2nd half determined to equalise but Wales vigorously defended their lead and indeed created several chances to extend it. The complexion of the game appeared to change however, with the loss of the influential Tedder to a hamstring injury. England capitalised on the reduced Welsh presence in mid-field, pressing relentlessly and creating numerous scoring opportunities, bringing out some impressive and vital saves from 'keeper Emma Olivari.
Not to be outdone, Wales continued to mount sporadic but determined attacks and were rewarded with a number of short corners, forcing some fine saves from the England 'keeper. England were finally rewarded for their hard work however, when an England forward, found herself free at the top of the D, unleashing a rasping drive which grazed the inside of the post on its way to the back-board.
England having seized the initiative, Wales were now very much under the cosh and found themselves defending ever more deeply. A string of penalty corners were capably defended however until a well-worked slip routine resulted in a low lift from the right which found the back of the net with less than five minutes to go and despite continuing to battle up to the final whistle, Wales were unable to force an equaliser.
Final score: England 2 – 1 Wales
WALES v IRELAND – 19th JUNE
Ireland opened their international veterans relationship with Wales in truly sweltering heat! With both teams having been unsuccessful that morning [Ireland losing 2 - 1 to Scotland] Wales started very much the brighter of the sides in this engagement and it was somewhat against the run of play that Ireland took an early lead through a break-away goal with Wales 'keeper Annie Lindsell being beaten one on one. Wales rallied however and some consistent and strong unit play soon forced a draw in the sweltering Swansea sunshine
Final score: Wales 2 – 2 Ireland
WALES v SCOTLAND – 20th JUNE
Each team having played two, full-length matches yesterday, the starting line-ups today necessarily featured some fresh faces and fresh legs with Yvonne Squire putting in a solid performance on her debut.
Scotland were aiming to make this a hat-trick of victories to complete their championship whilst Wales were looking to bounce back from a disappointing performance against Ireland yesterday.
Scotland were soon on-mission, with a string of attacks making the most of poor marking and defensive indiscipline and resulting in two almost identical goals from open play. A third followed just before half time with Wales struggling to mount any sort of counter-attack despite some hard work and strong running from mid-field.
A change of tactics at half time saw tighter marking from Wales in the second half. With nothing to lose, a level of confidence re-asserted itself and the rampant Scottish attack was held at bay for a time with some good defensive clearances being picked up in mid field, and the occasional scoring chance appearing for Wales as a result. Scotland's tally increased with a high shot past an unsighted 'keeper before Wales eventually broke their duck.
Determined to have the last word however, Scotland forced home a 5th goal to round off an undefeated weekend which sent them home as Champions.
Final score: Wales 1 – 5 Scotland
