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Friday 14th September 2007 |
In the first game of the second stage of the competition Wales played Italy. A result was crucial particularly as Portugal had got a surprise win over Ukraine. The Ukrainians seemed to be playing a game too many as ten of their squad are in their thirties and one outfield player now in his forties. |
 As
before Wales started strongly with over 60% of the possession. It
was a questionable umpiring decision that opened the scoring as Huw
Jones was stick tackled just outside the D. An umpires whistle blew
the offence but Huw continued into the circle striking the ball low
and hard into the net. A second whistle blew signalling the goal leaving
anamazed Italian team both stunned and a goal down. |
 The
Italians went on the attack from the start of the second half but
onthe breaks Wales were becoming more threatening. After seven minutes Zac Jones threaded the ball into the D and forced a short corner, Wales first of the game. Ollie Cooper did not disappoint and his drag flick went straight home and Wales had a two goal cushion. |
 The
Welsh still seemed nervouswith the clinical game they had earlier in the year still a distant memory. The Italians pushed hard and with eighteen minutes remaining Wales gave away a penalty stroke. George Harris was sent the wrong way and a low flick found the backboard. The Italians could sense a comeback and forced the play. |
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into the last few minutes Wales displayed the sort of play they had
earlier in the year and with a text book move down the right wing
a some superb one touch hockey Ben Rogers got his first goal of the
tournament. The Italians were not over yet and inside the last three
minutes they broke away in numbers and overwhelmed the Welsh defence. |
 Now
at 3 – 2 Wales had less than three minutes to hold onto their
slender lead. With possession hockey they ran out victors for the
first time in this tournament. A win tomorrow against the hosts Portugal
will seal their survival, and they are certainly capable of this.
A draw may be enough but that would depend on the result from the
other game Italy and Ukraine. |
| Click on images to see larger picture. |
All photography by Magic Moments
