The final game of the EuroHockey Championships saw Wales take on Spain.
Wales started well from the off and had some brilliant spells of forward play within the first quarter. Some brilliant defensive efforts and keeping from Reynolds-Cotterill kept Wales in the mix. With the end to end action continuing throughout the first half neither were able to break the deadlock. An incredible start to the second half saw Wales take the lead from a well-earned penalty corner converted quickly and clinically by Gareth Furlong. Within minutes however the Spanish had equalised from a powerful crash ball and palpable touch in front of goal.
Photo from World Sport Pics
This shift in momentum opened the floodgates for Spain and Wales conceded two other goals within the third quarter. Wales’s resilience however is persistent, and they made a thrilling comeback from 3-1 down to level through two goals in the fourth quarter in quick succession; the first came from a silky reserve shot by Dale Hutchinson with three and a half minutes to go, and the second a perfectly placed drag flick by Gareth Furlong in the final two minutes. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be however and Wales conceded a fourth to Spain in the dying seconds of the game to make the final result 4-3 Spain.
This is a bittersweet end to Will Packer’s role as manager of the Wales Senior Men we’d like to say a big thank you and farewell as the match against Spain was his final game with the senior men before leaving his role. He began with them in 2018 after stepping up from the same role with the NAGs boys.
“Will has been an integral part of the support staff in a period of sustained growth and success for our men’s team and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his commitment and contribution in this time.” Kevin Johnson – Performance Director.
This concludes Wales’s EuroHockey Championship which has created some brilliant moments including a historic draw to the hosts Germany, Ben Francis reaching his 100th Cap and as always loyal and dedicated support from our fans. Thanks to everyone who came out to watch in Mönchengladbach as well as those who tuned in to EuroHockey TV and our social media channels it has been a tournament to remember!
Photo from World Sport Pics
By Hockey Wales
