Veasey hat-trick wins it for Wales o65s

A Wales Veterans' Football o65s Representative squad welcomed Bristol Vets to Ocean Park Arena in Cardiff and, against a much younger team, secured a fine win.

In an even first half, Wales started the stronger but they moved the ball too slowly or without the usual accuracy and with two very pacey 50 year olds up front who were always a threat, the visitors gradually forced the hosts deeper and started dictating proceedings and they were unlucky to have a super goal chalked off for offside. Luckily Keeper Meacham was right on his game and made several important interventions before indecision between the Welsh midfield and defence enabled Bristol to take the lead just before the interval.

During half-time managers' Alun Huish and Jon Ross converted to a back three and the extra man in the middle had an immediate impact and when they brought on sub Tim 'Scouser' Bowker - they moved very much onto the front foot. Bowker shifted the ball quickly and accurately and when his defence-splitting pass found Dai Veasey (pictured with the match-ball), the debutant finished with aplomb. Minutes later the same player slotted home his second. Wales were now in total control and when a simple ball over the top by Algieri saw Veasey go 'underneath' several tackles, he completed a fine hat-trick and enabled Wales to secure an important win.

This was a stern test for the o65s and although it took some time for them to impose their game plan...they were rewarded with a worthy win against strong, physical opposition.

Alan Meacham SWANSEA
Dave Abbott NEWPORT
Ian Dickinson NEWPORT
John Jordan NEWPORT
John Rowlands NEWPORT
Mark Entwistle NEWPORT
Mick Algeri SWANSEA
Nick Gartside NEWPORT
Paul Diaper NEWPORT
Paul Young NEWPORT
Peter Morgan PENYBONT
Phil Williams NEWPORT
Terry Compton NEWPORT
Tim Bowker BARRY TOWN
Tim Morgan BARRY TOWN
Dai Veasey SWANSEA
Paul Williams PONTYCLUN