Wales hit 7 past Poland  x4
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| Welsh Hockey Union |
August 12, 2005 
Welsh Hockey Union
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As part of their build up to the European Nations tournament in Rome early next month, Wales Men played two test matches against Poland at the new facilities at Swansea. Poland, ranked 6 places above Wales in the rankings, were on the last leg of their short European tour which had included a draw against Holland.
In the first match, despite conceding two early first half goals, Wales fought back through Andy Cornick and Zak Jones to level the scores before conceding what turned out to be the winning goal three minutes from the end.
In the second match, despite being weakened from unavailability and injury, Wales were determined to make amends for the previous day’s defeat. They had the best possible start when Captain Rhys Joyce scored after 19 minutes. Further goals from Paul Edwards (penalty corner), Oliver Cooper, Ben Rogers and Mark Ramage (his first for Wales) left Poland trailing by 5 goals at the break. The score line improved further for Wales when some crisp passing enabled Oliver Cooper to score his second of the match.
Unfortunately Wales suffered a further injury when Ben Rogers dislocated his shoulder. He should however be fit for the European Nations.
Sensing that victory was theirs, Wales relaxed and conceded two goals in two minutes before regaining the initiative when Oliver Cooper completed his hat-trick after 54 minutes. A last minute goal from Poland left Wales victors by 7-3.
Manager Andy Bevan was delighted with the players performance in saying “ the squad bounced back from yesterday’s defeat extremely well and to score 7 against a higher-ranked team showed the progress that this young squad is making.”
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