Welsh Hockey Union

At the Under 18’s Girls European Hockey Youth Trophy, Wales played their second game of the tournament against the Czech Republic.

Despite having a number of opportunities Wales lacked concentration at the vital moments which put them under pressure from a skilful Czech forward line. The Czechs opened the scoring when they moved the ball quickly from left to right enabling them to slot the ball home into the corner of the net.

Wales came back into the game in the second half and forced the opposition onto the defensive. Following this sustained period of pressure Wales were awarded a penalty corner and after a slip pass from Natalie Blyth, Lucy Butcher was able to drive the ball home to level the scores.

Wales continued to grow in confidence and in playing to an agreed pattern did not allow the Czechs to penetrate beyond the half way line. Despite coming close on a number of occasions, particularly when Sam Griffiths found Emma Batten on the top of the circle with her shot being well saved, Wales could not get the goal they deserved.

With Wales reduced to 10 players following the award of a yellow card, the Czechs took their opportunity to apply their own pressure and they were rewarded with a very well taken goal. Wales struggled to make an impact following this setback until the last 2 minutes when their 4th penalty corner was awarded. Lucy Butcher drove the ball home for her second goal of the match to again level the scores and give Wales their first point of the tournament.

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