Wales v Poland - Swansea
Report by Rhys Joyce

Wednesday 10th August

 In their last home internationals of the summer, the Welsh Men’s team drew the two match series with Poland in Swansea.

 In game one on Wednesday Wales lost 3-2 to a goal in the dying minutes by Polish captain Petr Mikula. Wales conceded territory and possession in the first half against an athletic and well drilled Polish team but fought back to gain a foothold in the match.

 Trailing 2-0 at half time, a stunning individual goal from Andy Cornick reduced the deficit. Cornick eluded several Polish defenders before rifling an unstoppable half volley into the top right hand corner of the goal.

 In the last ten minutes, a penalty corner rebound from Zak Jones following an Olly Cooper drag flick brought the scores level, however Mikula scored almost immediately to win the game for Poland.

Thursday 11th August

 Despite a missed penalty stroke in the first half, Wales made the most of their opportunities and went in at half time 5 goals to nil ahead.

 Poland pressed in the second half and whilst they got 3 goals back, their defence was left exposed as they committed players forward. Olly Cooper secured victory in the second half. He scored an excellent individual goal and put the game beyond reach with another following great work from Matt Ruxton on the right flank as the Welsh forwards took full advantage of the space left in defence by the Poles.

 A shoulder injury to Ben Rogers mid way through the second half the main cost of the victory. Rogers dislocated his shoulder but still aims to be fit for the European Championships in Rome in 4 weeks time.

This weekend, Wales continue their build up to Rome with further matches against Scotland in Manchester.

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