Leah Wilkinson got the perfect gift to celebrate her 150th cap for Wales with a 1-0 win over Turkey in Vilnius, but there was no joy in the second game of the Hockey Open Series a day later against the Ukraine.
Wales’ nearest rivals in the world rankings converted a penalty stroke in the second period to steal a 1-0 victory and put Wilkinson’s side under pressure in their final two matches in Lithuania as they seek a top three finish to qualify for the later rounds.
It was a goal from Amy Burton that brought the win on Tuesday to ensure Wilkinson celebrated her landmark in style, while Yevheniya Kernoz’s strike earned the Ukranians their second win after a 2-0 triumph over host nation Lithuania.
“I was very pleased with the opening result, especially given it was our first game in the tournament against an opponent who made life difficult for us at times,” said Wales head coach Kevin Johnson.
“Every game here will have its own unique set of challenges, so I was pleased to have met the first one with a win ahead of taking on an experienced Ukraine team.”
Wilkinson was still basking in the glory of having extended her record as Welsh women’s hockey’s most capped player, although no doubt looking forward to Thursday’s rest day before tackling the Czech Republic and Lithuania later in the week.
“It’s taken a lot of years to get here, but I’m proud to have reached 150 caps. Over those years I’ve been lucky enough to play with some amazing players and be coached by some fantastic coaches,” said Wilkinson. “Hopefully, I still have some more caps in me.”
P W D L GF GA GDiff Points
1 Ukraine 2 2 0 0 3 0 3 6
2 Czech Rep 1 1 0 0 7 1 6 3
3 Wales 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 3
4 Lithuania 1 0 0 1 0 2 -2 0
5 Turkey 2 0 0 2 1 8 -7 0