Wales U19 defeated by Canuck counterparts

WALES U19s v CANADA U19s – 19th February 2005 
Cowichan Rugby Club, Vancouver Island

A combination of a recorded Welsh Male Voice Choir singing Mae Hen Wlad fy Nhadau and a travelling band of dedicated Welsh parents created a home-from-home atmosphere for the young welsh dragons. Injuries to the two Welsh props within the first five minutes unsteadied Wales, which Canada capitalised on to go into the break with a 10-0 lead.

Wales fronted up in the second half with big performances from youngsters Amy Thompson (voted Welsh Most Valuable Player) and Tanya Davies, along with new caps Laura Ogden, Katie Harding, Caryl Thomas and Mared Evans. Rachel Poolman put in some memorable hits at full back, showing great potential, particularly as a natural ball-carrier.

Ably led from the front by Captain Rhian Bowden (hooker) and flankers Rhiannon Evans and Kwokwen Cheung, the girls put in a defiant performance against a tall, athletic Canadian squad, but were eventually defeated 18-0. National Academy Coordinator, Zoe Eaton, said “The girls put in a fantastic performance, giving 110% against a big Canadian side. Lessons have been learnt from the encounter and we look forward to the second test on Tuesday. We would like to thank our hosts, Cowichan Rugby Club, for their great hospitality.” 

The Welsh team completed pool recovery session at 7.30am on Sunday morning, followed by a relaxing day sightseeing in Victoria, capital of Vancouver, before heading to the venue of the second game, Shawnigan Lake School (a private school in British Colombia) to familiarise themselves with their surroundings ready for Tuesday’s second test.

Wales Team for 1st Test – 19th February 2005
01. Hannah Roberts
02. Rhian Bowden
03. Megan York
04. Amy Thompson
05. Beth Hawke
06. Kwokwen Cheung
07. Rhiannon Evans
08. Hannah Torangi
09. Amy Day
10. Michaela Reed
11. Gemma Williams
12. Katie harding
13. Rachel Poolman
14. Mared Evans
15. Hannah Szigetvari

16. Beth Gallagher
17. Caryl Thomas
18. Eulon Davies
19. Heledd Stephens
20. Laura Ogden
21. Lowri Evans
22. Megan Snape
23. Rachel Lane
24. Tanya Davies

Wales U19 Fixtures

Saturday 19th February v Canada U19s, Cowichan Rugby Club, Vancouver Island
Tuesday 22nd February v Canada U19s, Shawnigan Lake School, Vancouver Island
Sunday 27th February v England U19s, Broadstreet RFC, Coventry
Sunday 20th March v England U19s, Birchgrove RFC, Swansea

Wales U19 Management Squad
Head Coach – Lee Grant
Assistant Coach – Liza Burgess (72 caps for Wales, 8 for Great Britain)
Squad Manager – Esther Eckley (Former Wales International Flanker)
National Academy Coordinator – Zoe Eaton (Former Wales International Flanker)
Physiotherapist – Rhian Rogers