Wales Women See World League Final Hopes Dashed By Ireland

Wales women put up a brave effort but a 2-0 defeat by Ireland dashed their hopes of a Hockey World League final spot.

The Dragons were beaten by the higher-ranked world No 16 outfit who struck twice in quick succession in the first-half in Kuala Lumpur.

Coach Kevin Johnson’s side will now have to lift themselves for the third/fourth place play-offs against either the hosts or Italy.

At stake in Saturday’s semi-final against Ireland was a place in June’s World League semi-finals which is a qualification event for the World Cup.

But despite the defeat Wales’ magnificent effort in Malaysia has brought vital ranking points for next year’s Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast.

Tina Evans and Natasha Marke-Jones both had chances for Wales against Ireland who took the lead on 27 minutes through Yvonne O’Byrne.

And a minute later Anna O’Callaghan struck to double the lead.

Johnson’s side pressed to get back into the game in the second-half while Wales keeper Rose Thomas made some fine saves.

Wales had qualified for the first ever semi-final at this level with a 2-1 victory over Kazakhstan in the quarters on Thursday.