Johnson Confident Women Will Pass Hockey Test In Malaysia

Wales Senior Women’s Head Coach Kevin Johnson has named his squad for the highly anticipated Round 2 of the FIH World League in Malaysia.

Johnson, who was appointed head coach in March, recognises that the tournament in Kuala Lumpur from January 14-22 will be a valuable learning experience the side.

But he is also confident in the team’s ability to progress after their performance in Round 1 in Douai, France.

“As a group, we are aspiring to play better international tournaments more often and World League Round 2 will be ideal as an opportunity to challenge ourselves and further our development,” said Johnson.

As individuals, the players will learn a great amount playing in the high temperatures and humidity of Kuala Lumpur, as well as experiencing different types and styles of opposition from around the globe.

It will be an invaluable experience and after our recent gains, we are fully confident in our ability to perform well.”

Wales have had a number of positive performances over the past year, including their second-place finish in World League Round 1 against a strong roster of European Nations, as well as securing a number of international test series victories over world top 20 ranked teams, including Italy and Poland.

The announcement of the squad for Round 2 sees few changes, with Eloise Laity the only new addition to the line-up.

Johnson added: “Following recent training camps, there have been no surprises or changes in World League 2 selection, which is testament to the positive performances the team managed in round 1.

“We are bringing in Eloise Laity for Sophie Clayton, who is unfortunately unavailable to travel, and it is a good opportunity for Eloise to show what she can do at this level.

Eloise has trained well with us and her selection also comes off the back of some encouraging club performances for Clifton Robinsons in the Premier League.”

Wales Senior Women’s Squad for Kuala Lumpur

Rose Thomas (GK), Wimbledon
Ella Jackson (GK), Buckingham
Xenna Hughes, East Grinstead
Tina Evans, Birmingham University
Natalie Blyth, Swansea City
Jo Westwood, Swansea City
Leah Wilkinson (VC), Holcombe
Sian French, Bowdon
Beth Bingham, Loughborough University
Sarah Jones, Holcombe
Danielle Jordan, Clifton
Hannah Cozens, Loughborough University
Julie Whiting, Reading
Abi Welsford (C), Swansea City
Eloise Laity, Clifton
Lisa Daley, Swansea City
Phoebe Richards, Buckingham
Natasha Marke-Jones, Swansea City