Scotland U18 boys’ draw with Wales in opening Euros match

Scotland U18 boys’ drew their first match of U18 EuroHockey Championship II in Cardiff 3-3 in an intense battle against tournament hosts Wales. The Scots soared into a 3-0 lead before a five minute goal rout by the Welsh in the third quarter levelled the score.

It took Scotland just seven minutes to open their goal scoring account at the tournament and it was David Nairn who scored Scotland’s first goal of EuroHockey Championship II. An outstanding counter attack from back-to-front set up Nairn and he finished clinically to make it 1-0.

Shortly into the second quarter and the Scots doubled their lead against the tournament hosts when Struan Walker scored with a sweet reverse tick shot to make it 2-0 in Cardiff.

The second half couldn’t have started better for Scotland. Jacob Tweedie made it 3-0 for the Scots right at the start of the second half when he deflected a ball from the baseline past the goalkeeper.

Then out of nowhere came a five-minute goal flurry by the Welsh to pull them back into the contest. First Wales pulled one back through Rhys Bradshaw before Miles Margetson made it 3-2.

Almost immediately after the second goal the hosts clawed back Scotland’s three goal lead to make it 3-3 from a penalty corner. A lovely dummy at the top of the D set up Bradshaw who swept the ball into the bottom right corner to equalise.

Both sides went toe-to-toe for a winner in the final quarter, and Scotland forged some good opportunities in the final five minutes, but it wasn’t to be, and a goal-fest between Scotland and Wales U18 boys’ on the opening day of EuroHockey Championship II in Cardiff ended honours even.

Scotland U18 Boys’ Head Coach Andrew Brogdon said, “For the first two quarters we were fantastic, very professional and in good control of the game. Then we had five minutes in the third quarter where we lost control of the game, but that’s tournament hockey – that can happen. So it’s a good learning for the boys and I’m proud of how they came back into the game in the fourth quarter, and nearly nicked the win at the end.

“I’m proud of the team, a draw is not a bad result in the first match of tournament hockey and we’ll be ready for the next game. We’ll go and have a look at the video and prepare for Czech Republic on Tuesday. If we play to our potential we can be confident.”

Scotland’s next match of U18 Boys’ EuroHockey Championship II is on Tuesday against Czech Republic at 15:45.

Inspired by Scotland U18 Boys? Why not find a club near you HERE?

 

 

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