With just 12 seconds left on the clock, Gareth Griffiths fired in a dramatic goal to deny Scotland victory and keep Wales’ EuroHockey Championship II hopes alive in Portugal. A fierce battle that looked like it was heading the Scots’ way ended 2-2 — and left both teams with plenty to think about.
There were no celebrations, just relief and frustration on either side of the pitch.
Tense From the Start — And It Never Let Up
The game kicked off with high stakes. Both sides had plenty riding on the result, having opened their campaigns with contrasting momentum. Wales started faster, sharper, and with something to prove. And it showed.
Nic Morgan made that clear early on, scoring after just 12 minutes. It was a sharp finish — low, clinical, and set up by a slick passing move from midfield. Scotland looked momentarily rattled, giving up possession cheaply and missing tackles in dangerous areas.
But by the end of the second quarter, the tide had shifted.
Struan Walker, who’s become something of a talisman for the Scots, pulled them level. His goal, a thumping strike after a penalty corner, gave Scotland belief — and brought their vocal bench to its feet.
Walker Again — Then the Stunner at the Death
The second half saw both teams tighten up. Fewer chances, more tension. But the intensity didn’t drop.
It was Walker again who broke the deadlock in the fourth quarter. A fierce run into the D, a quick one-two, and a reverse-stick finish — it looked like the match-winner. With the clock ticking down, Scotland were just trying to hold their nerve.
Then came the gut-punch.
With 12 seconds remaining, a scramble in front of goal led to Griffiths sweeping home the equaliser. Bedlam on the Welsh side. Heads dropped in the Scottish camp.
No one could quite believe what just happened.
How the Game Unfolded: Key Match Stats
It wasn’t just the goals — this was a tactical contest, full of shifts in rhythm and control. Here’s a snapshot of the key numbers:
| Match Stat | Wales | Scotland |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 53 | 47 |
| Shots on Goal | 8 | 6 |
| Penalty Corners | 4 | 5 |
| Saves Made | 4 | 6 |
| Cards (Green/Yellow) | 1 / 0 | 2 / 0 |
Scotland may feel they had it — and lost it. Wales will argue they never gave up.
What It Means for the Group
This result keeps things wide open in Pool B. Both teams sit mid-table after two matches, and qualification for the next round now depends on their final group games.
As of now:
-
Scotland: 1 win, 1 draw (4 points)
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Wales: 1 draw, 1 loss (1 point)
The top two teams from each group move forward, so Wales still have work to do — but they’re not out.
Scotland, meanwhile, will need to avoid any stumbles. Their final group game could now define the tournament.
Reactions: Mixed Feelings on Both Sides
Scotland’s coach didn’t hide his frustration. “We let it slip. We had the control, we had the structure. But one lapse — and they punished us,” he said post-match.
Struan Walker, who bagged both goals for the Scots, looked visibly disappointed. “We deserved more. It’s bitter. But we’ll regroup.”
Meanwhile, Wales captain Rupert Shipperley was grinning from ear to ear. “This group never quits. That’s what I’m proud of. It’s not always about the prettiest hockey — sometimes, it’s heart.”
Wales coach Danny Newcombe was more composed. “There’s a lot to work on. But we stay alive. That’s what counts today.”
Women’s Game Postponed — Weather Has the Final Say
While the men were battling in Portugal, the Welsh women were scheduled to take on the Czech Republic in Poland as part of their EuroHockey campaign. But Mother Nature had other plans.
Heavy rain in Gniezno flooded the pitch, forcing organisers to postpone the fixture.
The match has now been re-scheduled for Tuesday morning, and both teams will be hoping the weather holds.
A spokesperson from Hockey Wales said, “Player safety comes first. It’s disappointing, but we move forward.”
