Euro-Bowl West 2007
May 4th 2008
Squad:
Ceri Jones, Dave Buckland, Steve Jones, Ramzi Barbir, Lee OSullivan, Jack McNamara, John Williams,
Susan Belfourd, Kim Jones, Tammy Kentfield, Zoe Gabica, Becs Lewis, Angharad Morgan, Jess Davies
Coach, Terry Matthews
Manager, Dave Thomas
With a mixture of expereinced heads and a couple of debutants, Wales travelled back to Luxemburg to try and improve on the 2nd place they achived in the previous years 4 Nations.
Alongside the hosts, Wales would play familiar faces in Scotland and Ireland, but also, new challenges in the Swedes and the French.
Wales v Sweden
First up were the Swedes, whose bright yellow kit may have blinded the Welsh in the first half. A cagey opening half ended with Wales winning just 2-1. The second half was to to be far more convincing, as the rust fell off the Welsh, and some fluid Korfball appeared. A goal on debut from Angharad Morgan split Welsh penalties at both sides of the team and a 5 goal lead was quickly present. With skipper Ceri and John both completeting thier hat-tricks, and Steve working his magic from three meters, the Welsh firepower was just to strong for the Swedish team who fell 9-3 in the second 30 minutes to go down 11-4 in total.
John 3, Ceri 3, Steve 2, Ramzi 1, Dave 1, Angharad 1
Wales V France
It was obvious from watching the Frech play their opening game that this would be a tough challenge for the Welsh. An established Korfballing nation with a good history and structure, the Frech, were for many, the pre-tournament favourites.
Early indications were that the form guide may have been incorrect, as Wales's experienced heads Dave and Steve knocked in a rapid fire three baskets. However, the French were made of stern stuff and forced some Welsh errors and clawed back two penalties to make the score 3-2. A further French goal split another goal each to Dave and Steve who were displaying all their quality and finishing prowess. A 5-3 half time score meant a tight second half was in store.
A further two goals apiece took keep the distance between the scores at just one turn around before the French narrowed it back to just one at 7-6. With 15 minutes to go, the Welsh found a new gear with Steve hitting his 5th of the game and Ceri nailing two with only one in return. The game ended with the Welsh up 10-7, and with two wins on the board, looking good.
Steve 5, Ceri 2, Dave 2, John 1,
Wales V Scotland
In the two previous meeting between the two, only one goal had seperated them, with one win appiece. Scotland where the current champions, and Wales were looking for some revenge!
A opening salvo from the Scots ment they took the lead, before Steve and Ramzi found the Korf from range. A Scottish set play brought the scores back to 2-2 and could we be in for another tense affair? The margin was opened up to three to the Welsh at the interval thanks to Steve and a couple from Ramzi.
The second half started with a trade of penalties, before Steve and Ramzi stretched the lead again with both of them in great form from range. Both players would end up with 4 goals. A late couple of goals from a strong set of Scottish girls was only consolation as Wales run out 9-5 winners.
Steve 4, Ramzi 4, Ceri 1,
Wales v Luxemburg
With the Welsh leading the table overnight, a win was needed against the hosts to set up and all or nothing show down with the Irish.
Yet again, the opposition took the lead, and soon regained it after John had equallized.Ceri restored parity just before the break, but a sluggish performance ment the scores were locked at 2-2.
As with the Swedes, the second period was must better for the Welsh, with shooting ranges being re-established. A 6-2 second half was catalysed mainly by Steves hat-trick. The 8-4 was hardly convincing, and with the mind games already running, it came down to the last game.
Steve 3, Dave 2, John 2, Ceri 1
Wales v Ireland
The situation was simple, if Wales won, the Eurobowl was theirs. If they lost, it dependend on the level of defeat to see if the Irish or the French would claim the crown.
For the third game in a row the Welsh conceded first, a rapid 0-2 to the Irish ment this could be a tough struggle. Ramzi was in bullying mood though, and returned a brace to level the scores. Strike from Kim and Susan were cancelled before a effort from under the post from Dave was also wiped out. Ramzi put the Welsh back into the lead just before half time to squeek into the break at 6-5 up.
Immediatley the Irish drew it back before the Welsh finally took a strangle on the game. 4 Unanswered goals from Dave, John, Angharad and 4th from Ramzi took the game well into the Welsh players hands. The fighting Irish clawed two back before Jack nailed one in the dying moments. A spectacular last seconds finish was to no avail as the Welsh claimed the game 11-8 and got their hands on the Eurobowl for the first time.
Ramzi 4, Steve 1, Dave 1, Jack 1, John 1, Susan 1, Kim 1, Angharad 1
Goals
Name Goals
Steve Jones 15
Ramzi Barbir 9
Ceri Jones 7
John Williams 7
Dave Buckland 6
Jack McNamara 1
Angharad Morgan 2
Susan Belfourd 1
Kim Jones 1
| | Written by Terry Matthews | Filed under: Luxembourg, Scotland, Sweden, France, Ireland, Eurobowl, International, |
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