![Wales: Wales suffer defeat to Poland in their first match of the European Championships 1 bf0b9f 6025c2b2a9a84694b44d4afeacd5f0f5~mv2 - Wales: Wales suffer defeat to Poland in their first match of the European Championships - Poland secure a 3-0 victory over Wales in their opening match of the Under 18 European B Championships.](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bf0b9f_6025c2b2a9a84694b44d4afeacd5f0f5~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_147,h_98,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/bf0b9f_6025c2b2a9a84694b44d4afeacd5f0f5~mv2.jpg)
Poland secure a 3-0 victory over Wales in their opening match of the Under 18 European B Championships.
Poland were on the attacking foot from the beginning of the match, taking the lead in the final seconds of the first quarter through a solid strike by captain Maria Drozda.
Wales attempted to respond but strong saves from the Polish keeper saw them denied the possibility.
A stick tackle in the 55th in the 23rd minute on Leni Beard saw Wales awarded a penalty stroke which was unfortunately directed wide by Caitlin Witham
In the 37th minute Poland doubled their lead again through a solid Penalty Corner strike from captain Maria Drosda.
Wales keeper Grace Diamond denied Poland multiple times with some fantastic saves throughout the third quarter.
Wales’ best opportunity of the game came from a penalty corner in the 55th minute, a brilliant Welsh drag flick was unfortunately palmed away in a strong save by the keeper
Wales made the decision to take their keeper off in the final two minutes but Poland were able to capitalise on the empty net and convert their third goal to seal their victory.
By Hockey Wales