Mixed fortunes forWales as men earn promotion

WALES’ hopes of reaching the top tier of women’s hockey in the EuroHockey Championship were ended as they lost to Russia in the semi-final in Cardiff.

The hosts levelled through Leah Wilkinson after going behind, but the visitors proved too strong.

Earlier in the day, Wales’ men won promotion to the top tier of European hockey by beating France 4-3 in their semi-final in Glasgow.

The win sent Wales’ men into their final against Scotland on Saturday.

It also meant promotion to the the eight-nation European A Division for the first time in 2019 while their female counterparts will stay in the B Division.

Wales took the lead against France after Rupert Shipperley deflected the ball in.

But the French equalised before the break through Gaspard Baumgarten’s excellent reverse-stick finish.

James Carson restored Wales’ lead before Gareth Furlong scored from a penalty corner.

France again pulled one back before Luke Hawker scored Wales’s fourth from another penalty corner.

A late French goal set up a nervy finish, but Wales held on for victory.

“This is a huge moment for Hockey Wales and the squad,” said Wales captain Lewis Prosser.

“We have been building towards this for the last two years and we are playing the best hockey we have ever played.

“I am so happy we got to the A division and I can’t quite believe it.”