Opening day success in Vienna (Bericht Schottland):

Scotland’s U21 Men began their Eurohockey Trophy campaign with a convincing 4-1 win over Wales in Vienna today.

The Scots began in the worst possible fashion  by conceding  a goal within the first five minutes when the defence was caught napping allowing Nick Rees to fire a low shot past Tommy Alexander. They hit back creating a lot of pressure but lacking the necessary composure. However midway through the half a brilliant solo run by John Harris ended with a fierce reverse stick volley to level the scores at half time.
Scotland continued in total control yet continuing to spurn a whole host of chances until Josh Cairns gave them the all important and much deserved lead with a vicious drag flick which found the roof of the net. Shortly afterwards Kenny Bain had the ball in the net but it was correctly disallowed as the Scots encamped in Welsh territory.

With the game entering the final ten minutes a cross from Calum Grant left John Harris with the simple task of rolling the ball into the empty net. Then in overtime Scotland were awarded a corner and when Cairns shot was illegally stopped, Alan Forsyth stepped up to net the resultant penalty stroke with a low shot.

Coach Derek Forsyth said “We would have won much more comfortably if we had taken the many chances created. The boys were a little nervous going into the game with the tag of favourites  but we played much better in the second half.”

Bericht Wales:

Wales went down to a well drilled and organised Scotland side today in the opening match of the 2010 Junior Nations Trophy in Vienna. Wales started with a bang with captain Nick Rees finishing off a smash and grab raid in the 2' following good work by midfielders Rob Mugridge and Nils Lloyd-Penny. Wales were on top of their game at this point and Scotland looked rattled but as the half wore on, Scotland dominated possession as Wales failed to keep hold of the ball and in the 19' following a loose pass in Scotland's final third saw John Harris run 40 metres to score a reverse stick shot past Adam Williams in the Wales goal. Williams made some fine saves in goal to keep the score at 1-1 at half time.

The second half saw Scotland increase the pressure on Wales and dominated possession for long periods. When Wales did get the ball, Scotland pressed hard and forced turnovers a plenty but resolute defending and team spirit kept the game even until the 55' when Scotland scored a penalty corner that was dispatched by Josh Cairns into the top right hand corner of the goal. Wales went further behind three minutes later as Scotland scored following another turnover by Wales as the ball was squared across the goal for John Harris to score his second goal. Wales kept pressing hard but despite a number of penalty corners failed to reduce the deficit and Scotland scored their 4th when Alan Forsyth converted a penalty flick following a late penalty corner offence by Wales.

Plenty of spirit was shown by Wales but ultimately Scotland were the more composed side and showed the benefit of their extensive pre-tournament programme. Wales now face minnows Azerbaijan tomorrow to keep their hopes of a promotion spot alive.