Wales Women Held By Poles And Miss Out On EuroHockey Semi-Finals

Wales have failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the women’s EuroHockey Championship II after being held to a 2-2 draw against Poland in Glasgow.

Despite a late rally, which included a second equaliser from skipper Leah Wilkinson, Wales could not find the winner which they needed to take them through.

It means Wilkinson and her team must settle for fifth to eighth placing matches in the tournament which is the second level of the three European field hockey championships organised by the European Hockey Federation.

Wales fell behind to a goal from Magdalena Zagajska, but recovered to draw level when Sarah Jones pounced to fire home a rebound from a short corner.

But the Poles scored a brilliant second goal in the second half when Wiktoria Blaszyk threw herself at a cross from the left to deflect the ball into the roof of the goal.

Wilkinson’s 60^th minute leveller gave Wales fresh hope, but they were unable to find the winner and so cannot make the last four following an earlier defeat to Italy and victory over Turkey.

The Pool A draw means Wales cannot progress to the top tier in two year’s time as these Glasgow Championships act as a direct qualifier for the 2021 Women’s EuroHockey Nations Championship with the winner and runner-up qualifying for the tournament.