Wales aim to sink Poles in Cardiff clash

WALES will look to build on their winning start to the 2017 EuroHockey Women’s Championships when they take on Poland at the Sport Wales National Centre, Cardiff, today (6pm).

The host nation began their campaign with a 6-1 victory against Austria, extending their unbeaten run to 14 matches.

“It was important for us to start well and that gives us confidence, belief and momentum,” said Kevin Johnson, head coach of the women’s team.

”We knew we had to focus on the important things, try and find the game we have been playing for a while.

“It’s kind of hard to know what the ‘home thing’ is going to be before we get out there playing, but we ran any nervous energy off in the first quarter and settled down.

“Our aim was to make a positive start, gain momentum, confidence and belief. We want to play exciting, attacking hockey. A team people can watch and get excited about.”

Wales scored two early goals and vice-captain Leah Wilkinson, who plays for Kent club Holcombe, said: “Everybody was pretty nervous during the first few minutes, but those early goals calmed us down.

“We can’t get carried away. Austria are the only team in our group ranked below us and now we play Poland and Belarus. They will be two really tough matches.”

Tina Evans scored following a penalty corner before Natasha Marke-Jones, Danni Jordan and Wilkinson added further goals. Lisa Daley and Marke-Jones completed their tally.

Meanwhile, the men’s team have begun their campaign with two wins in Glasgow.

They beat Czech Republic 2-1 with goals from Gareth Furlong and James Kyriakides before a comprehensive 9-0 win over Switzerland.

James Carson claimed four goals, with Kyriakides (2), Owain Dolan-Jones, Rupert Shipperley and Luke Hawker also scoring.

They now face Russia tomorrow looking to seal a semi-final spot.