Wales win something

[Loramski]

Re: Wales win something

This thread started in 2015 as the Wales hockey team, ranked 36th in the world, got promoted from the third division of the Euros. Now they're packing their bags ready for tomorrow's flight to the 16 team World Cup in India.

A mind-boggling achievement, hardly a rags to riches story though. All the players still have day jobs, a gofundme page has been launched to help cover the costs (Neil Taylor put in £500, fair play) and, bar a soiree with Drakeford on Monday and a nerve-shredding interview on Wales at Six last night, it couldn't be much more low profile.

Hard to see Wales getting out of their group. Although playing the hosts in a packed stadium will be an incredible experience, playing Spain is usually an unpleasant one and England should be too good. They'll give it a go though, for sure.

A glamorous start for the Cardiff boys in the squad, a Megabus to Heathrow in the morning. Maybe I'll get some ticker tape to throw as it sets off, that should put them in the mood.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Wales win something

This thread started in 2015 as the Wales hockey team, ranked 36th in the world, got promoted from the third division of the Euros. Now they're packing their bags ready for tomorrow's flight to the 16 team World Cup in India.

A mind-boggling achievement, hardly a rags to riches story though. All the players still have day jobs, a gofundme page has been launched to help cover the costs (Neil Taylor put in £500, fair play) and, bar a soiree with Drakeford on Monday and a nerve-shredding interview on Wales at Six last night, it couldn't be much more low profile.

Hard to see Wales getting out of their group. Although playing the hosts in a packed stadium will be an incredible experience, playing Spain is usually an unpleasant one and England should be too good. They'll give it a go though, for sure.

A glamorous start for the Cardiff boys in the squad, a Megabus to Heathrow in the morning. Maybe I'll get some ticker tape to throw as it sets off, that should put them in the mood.

The ten minutes or so of 6.06 I listened to on Sunday included a call from a goal keeping coach in hockey who is/has been involved with the Welsh team - he also talked far more sense about football than you usually hear on that programme. Of course, Chris Sutton had to have a dig as he asked what has the Welsh hockey team ever done.

[Loramski]

Re: Wales win something

The ten minutes or so of 6.06 I listened to on Sunday included a call from a goal keeping coach in hockey who is/has been involved with the Welsh team - he also talked far more sense about football than you usually hear on that programme. Of course, Chris Sutton had to have a dig as he asked what has the Welsh hockey team ever done.

My lad reckons that might have been Kier, a big Arsenal fan.

I'm never sure about Sutton, talks a lot of rubbish whenever I come across him but I can't tell if it's just an act to wind people up or if he really is stupid and genuinely believes it. He'd love posting on here, he'd be right at home.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Wales win something

My lad reckons that might have been Kier, a big Arsenal fan.

I'm never sure about Sutton, talks a lot of rubbish whenever I come across him but I can't tell if it's just an act to wind people up or if he really is stupid and genuinely believes it. He'd love posting on here, he'd be right at home.

He was an Arsenal fan (it was him because I’ve just remembered his name was Kier), but rang up about Lloris’ decline. I think Sutton is on a wind up most of the time and you can’t have a go at him when he slags Wales’ World Cup off - still don’t like him though.

[Claude Blue]

Re: Wales win something

Bump.

Mods, please merge my "Mens Hockey" thread with this as Loramski is well ahead of the curve.

[ToTaL ITK]

Re: Wales win something

They won the Division 3 title. By the way Sweden are a bit crap at Hockey aren't they? 16-0. Not managed by Slade by any chance?

try playing them on ice

[Des Parrot]

Re: Wales win something

I’ve raced motorbikes & karts, played footie, egg chased & American football but the most dangerous (& painful) was playing in goals for the school hockey team. Never again ….

[Loramski]

Re: Wales win something

I’ve raced motorbikes & karts, played footie, egg chased & American football but the most dangerous (& painful) was playing in goals for the school hockey team. Never again ….

Dangerous game, yes. In one of my lad's first games in Holland he suddenly found himself as last defender on the line as the attacker wound up for a shot. My boy sensibly decided to run in the direction of the corner flag as fast as possible but the striker mishit his shot and nailed him in the head anyway, Uncle Buck style. Slightly ironic that it looks like he'll have to sit out this World Cup because of an injury he got on Xmas Day trying to jump over a puddle. As I said to him- sport is amazing but not always.

[The Bloop]

Re: Wales win something

Played it once at school and got hit in the face with the hockey stick. Never again.

Anyway, has Mark Drakeford gone to the tournament? I'm sure he wouldn't want to miss out on any networking opportunities and potential trade deals.

[Loramski]

Re: Wales win something

Played it once at school and got hit in the face with the hockey stick. Never again.

Anyway, has Mark Drakeford gone to the tournament? I'm sure he wouldn't want to miss out on any networking opportunities and potential trade deals.

He made it to the Angel Hotel to meet the players before they flew out, does that count? Oddly enough, his son used to play in goal for my eldest's team when they were kids. Probably not a close enough connection to call in any favours but I might try my luck one day.

[Loramski]

Re: Wales win something

Having seen the Glammy and Academy threads being banished to Sludge and Wales Bales' board, I've got my fears for this long running enormo-thread too. Let's see what happens.

Anyway, 8 years after a poorly funded Wales team were playing in the third tier of European hockey, a poorly funded Wales team started their third consecutive top division Euros today with a clash against the World Champions, Germany, in Monchengladbach. 3-1 down going into the final quarter in front of a full house was creditable enough (especially as the Germans had won the corresponding game 8-1 in 2021) but Wales managed to claw their way back into it and came up with a 3-3 draw, ruining countless accumulators in the process (possibly).

France up next. No love lost when they play, my lad got sin-binned against them in '21 for celebrating the winner in a French defender's face (when did that become a rule?). Then the World number one ranked Dutch team in the final group game followed by semis or 5-8th play offs.

Whatever happens it'll have been an adventure. The continued chronic lack of funding, in an increasingly professional sport, means that a fall back down the rankings seems inevitable at some point but the lads battle on and are always a credit to the family and friends who turn out to support them.

[the other bob wilson]

Re: Wales win something

Having seen the Glammy and Academy threads being banished to Sludge and Wales Bales' board, I've got my fears for this long running enormo-thread too. Let's see what happens.

Anyway, 8 years after a poorly funded Wales team were playing in the third tier of European hockey, a poorly funded Wales team started their third consecutive top division Euros today with a clash against the World Champions, Germany, in Monchengladbach. 3-1 down going into the final quarter in front of a full house was creditable enough (especially as the Germans had won the corresponding game 8-1 in 2021) but Wales managed to claw their way back into it and came up with a 3-3 draw, ruining countless accumulators in the process (possibly).

France up next. No love lost when they play, my lad got sin-binned against them in '21 for celebrating the winner in a French defender's face (when did that become a rule?). Then the World number one ranked Dutch team in the final group game followed by semis or 5-8th play offs.

Whatever happens it'll have been an adventure. The continued chronic lack of funding, in an increasingly professional sport, means that a fall back down the rankings seems inevitable at some point but the lads battle on and are always a credit to the family and friends who turn out to support them.

That's got to be one of the best Welsh sporting results of the twenty first century, well done to all concerned.

[Lord Worcester]

Re: Wales win something

Having seen the Glammy and Academy threads being banished to Sludge and Wales Bales' board, I've got my fears for this long running enormo-thread too. Let's see what happens.

Anyway, 8 years after a poorly funded Wales team were playing in the third tier of European hockey, a poorly funded Wales team started their third consecutive top division Euros today with a clash against the World Champions, Germany, in Monchengladbach. 3-1 down going into the final quarter in front of a full house was creditable enough (especially as the Germans had won the corresponding game 8-1 in 2021) but Wales managed to claw their way back into it and came up with a 3-3 draw, ruining countless accumulators in the process (possibly).

France up next. No love lost when they play, my lad got sin-binned against them in '21 for celebrating the winner in a French defender's face (when did that become a rule?). Then the World number one ranked Dutch team in the final group game followed by semis or 5-8th play offs.

Whatever happens it'll have been an adventure. The continued chronic lack of funding, in an increasingly professional sport, means that a fall back down the rankings seems inevitable at some point but the lads battle on and are always a credit to the family and friends who turn out to support them.

First time I’ve come across this thread and was not aware of whole story, although knew we had improved. Well done for keeping it going and very interesting. Welsh sport needs all the positive PR it can get.

[Undercoverinwurzelland]

Re: Wales win something

Germany traditionally one of the strongest hockey nations aren't they? Good draw that.

[Michael Morris]

Re: Wales win something

Having seen the Glammy and Academy threads being banished to Sludge and Wales Bales' board, I've got my fears for this long running enormo-thread too. Let's see what happens.

Anyway, 8 years after a poorly funded Wales team were playing in the third tier of European hockey, a poorly funded Wales team started their third consecutive top division Euros today with a clash against the World Champions, Germany, in Monchengladbach. 3-1 down going into the final quarter in front of a full house was creditable enough (especially as the Germans had won the corresponding game 8-1 in 2021) but Wales managed to claw their way back into it and came up with a 3-3 draw, ruining countless accumulators in the process (possibly).

France up next. No love lost when they play, my lad got sin-binned against them in '21 for celebrating the winner in a French defender's face (when did that become a rule?). Then the World number one ranked Dutch team in the final group game followed by semis or 5-8th play offs.

Whatever happens it'll have been an adventure. The continued chronic lack of funding, in an increasingly professional sport, means that a fall back down the rankings seems inevitable at some point but the lads battle on and are always a credit to the family and friends who turn out to support them.

They are back. I moved them temporarily when the board was struggling as they said they may cull old posts.